The Dinner Party Project is a dynamic family-focused food
education program involving children (5th-8th graders) in the
entire process of producing a dinner party for their families at
a school or community center. Through a five- to eight-week
project, fifth though eighth grade students are taught about
nutrition, food safety, meal planning, table setting, etiquette,
and cooking. This powerful experience of planning a dinner party
also deepens their understanding of the value of community,
family, teamwork, and sharing, while building self-esteem and
having fun. The curriculum handbook provides a “Dinner Party
Planner” with all the information s/he needs to conduct the
program, coordinate with school staff, enlist parental and
culinary help, and create local press. Homework assignments are
structured to involve parents and families. The Dinner Party
Project began in Spring 2001 in the New York City metro area,
and has spread across the nation to 27 U.S. cities serving 6,470
students. There have been more tha