<Mindful meals timeline>
<Mindful Meals 2026 Timeline>
📍📚 February 12, 2026 - Mindful Meals completed the fourth after-school program at Franklin Sherman Elementary School by focusing on the power of pulses 🫘❤️ It was perfectly timed just two days after World Pulses Day on February 10th! Students explored concepts such as ‘pulses vs meat,’ ‘pulses in everyday meals,’ and growing pulses! After watching quick demo videos, students jumped into action for the first time! Amelia distributed pre-soaked black beans and mini soil kits, and students learned how to sprout chickpeas at home.
📍📚 January 24, 2026 - For our second after-school session, students reflected on school lunch through a meaningful discussion about what they enjoy, dislike, and how it shapes their school experience! They also annotated the lunch menu by color-coding food groups to practice building balanced meals. We wrapped up by writing a letter and recording a video for FCPS Food & Nutrition Services to share Franklin Sherman students’ ideas for the future of school lunch!
📍📚 January 15, 2026 - Mindful Meals had its first after-school program session at Franklin Sherman Elementary School! Students had the opportunity to brainstorm their favorite and healthiest meals by completing the Mindful Meals worksheet. Amelia also provided mini strawberry kits for students, empowering them to grow produce in their own homes!
📍🗞️ February 11, 2026 - Amelia, the founder of Mindful Meals, was nominated and selected to be featured in the Inspiring Teens Issue 99 Magazine! To learn more, visit https://www.inspiringteens.com/blog/amelia-cho!
📍📚 February 5, 2026 - For Week 3 of the after-school program, students learned about the Healthy Eating Plate! Amelia began the session by introducing the concept of “food sustainability,” helping students explore the connection between what we eat and our climate. After the mini-lesson, students traced the Healthy Eating Plate and sorted their favorite foods into each category: healthy protein, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Through this, students learned that eating sustainably doesn’t mean giving up foods they love. Instead, it’s about making thoughtful choices to create meals that are both environmentally conscious AND* delicious 😋
📍💚 January 17, 2026 - Mindful Meals had a great second partnership with SHARE of McLean, sorting and organizing the pantry that serves all locals across McLean! From whole wheat pasta to pinto beans to red quinoa, we managed many superfoods along with other donations 🫘🫛❤️ We were able to sort around 890 lbs of food!
<Mindful Meals 2025 Timeline>
📍🗞️ September 26, 2025 - Amelia, the founder of Mindful Meals, was featured in the McLean City Lifestyle’s October Issue (page 18)! https://citylifestyle.com/mclean/issues/2025-10
🌎🇺🇸 September 23, 2025 - Rock Ridge High School in Loudoun County, Virginia, officially launched its Mindful Meals chapter!
📍💚 October 3, 2025 - Amelia had the opportunity to join the Franklin Sherman Elementary School’s Movie Night to promote the upcoming after-school program!
📍💚 September 13, 2025 - Mindful Meals x SHARE of McLean donated and collected 1410.57 lbs of food through the Stuff the Bus initiative! The event was organized by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services in partnership with SHARE of McLean and Mindful Meals, and included special guests from the McLean Fire Department!
🌎🇨🇦 August 23, 2025 - Mindful Meals Canada hosted its second farmer’s market stand at the Main Street Markham Farmers Market! They were able to sell healthy lemonade and donate 15kg (~33 lbs) of healthy food produce to the food center!
📍📚 August 11, 2025 - Mindful Meals x Mediquills 5-series children’s book, “Intersection of Public Health and Nutrition for Kids,” was officially published on Kindle! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FM4L7JYL?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1755201197&sr=8-1&ref=dbs_dp_awt_sb_pc_tkin
🌎📍 August 6, 2025 - Mindful Meals partnered with JM Produce at the Larchmont Farmer’s Market in L.A. to receive fresh, plant produce that would’ve otherwise gone to waste for donations. We received over 500 pounds of produce, valued at the equivalent of nearly 1,000 pounds.
🌎🇨🇦 August 9, 2025 - The Mindful Meals Canada Ambassadors Bhavith Gembali, Oscar Deng, and Dylan Kuo hosted a stand and fundraiser at the Main Street Markham Farmers Market. They were able to sell fresh homemade gummies, cold water for refreshment, and receive fresh produce donations throughout the day.
📍💚 March 12, 2025 - UNICEF McLean x Mindful Meals Letter Donation Activity: Created 30+ cards celebrating National Nutrition Month and including information on healthy eating habits.
📍💌 February 10, 2025 - FRAC SNAP Advocacy Post: Received 4,000+ views on Instagram with 120 likes,15+ reposts, and 50 shares from food organizations and advocates
🌎🇺🇸 August 30, 2025 - The Tracy, California, chapter of Mindful Meals officially launched!
🌎🇺🇸 August 29, 2025 - The Bakersfield, California, chapter of Mindful Meals officially Launched!
📍💶 August 12-16, 2025 - The Everybody Project x Mindful Meals Double Good Fundraiser. Mindful Meals raised $217, and the EB Project raised $168!
🌎🇨🇦 June 30, 2025 - Mindful Meals Canada Officially Launched!
📍💌 April 22, 2025 - Earth Day Celebration Post
📍💌 April 7, 2025 - World Health Day Celebration Post
📍💌 March 18, 2025 - National Agriculture Day Advocacy Post: Participated in #AgDay and #FundFarmersToday hosted by YoungFarmers
📍💌 March 6, 2025 - National Nutrition Month Celebration Post