Second and third graders at three local elementary schools recently participated in “Lessons in a Lunch Box,” a nationally acclaimed program which provides a wealth of dental health, nutritional information and giveaways packaged in a specialized lunch box that the children get to take home. 

Cincinnatus Elementary School , Cortland’s F.S. Barry Primary School and McGraw Elementary School were visited. The events were arranged and coordinated through a partnership of the New York State Dental Foundation with the Children’s Oral Health Institute, the Seven Valleys Health Coalition and JM Murray.

“The lessons these kids learned can have a real impact on their future dental health,” said Stacy McIlduff, Executive Director, New York State Dental Foundation. “Lessons in a Lunch Box not only conveys essential information in a fun and creative way but also enables the children to bring the information and tools home with them.”

Lessons in a Lunch Box was developed 16 years ago in Baltimore, Maryland by the Children’s Oral Health Institute. Including presentations on brushing and other dental care techniques, as well as healthy eating, the centerpiece of the program is an orange-colored, specially designed lunchbox that every child brings home.

The lunch box includes a “dental care in a carrot,” with the carrot coming apart to include a toothbrush, holder and rinse cup. Also enclosed in the lunch box is a brushing timer, toothpaste and floss, as well as a mirror sticker and a “My Plate” nutritional sticker.

Special appearances were made by mascots “Mighty Molar” of the Seven Valleys Health Coalition and “Chompers” from JM Murray.

Assisting at the events were dentists from the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA).

“As a dentist, I know how critical it is to educate elementary school-aged children on the importance of good dental care and nutrition,” said Dr. Cynthia Elberty, a NYSDA volunteer participating at the McGraw Elementary School event. “Lifetime dental and nutritional habits begin at an early age, so everything we can do now to instill their importance will help these kids live healthier lives as they get older. This age group is especially good at going home and sharing what they learned with their families, too.”

The New York State Dental Foundation brought this program to Cortland County children as part of their “My Healthy Smile NY” pilot program with a grant received from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation that underscores the critical need for community dental health coordinators to work in the community to expand access to dental care and oral health education, like Christine Macarelli.

Macarelli demonstrated the proper way to brush and floss your teeth and answered questions from the second graders, such as ‘why do I need a spacer?’ and ‘why does the dentist have to put my tooth to sleep?’