What if the answer to a healthier future… lay in the humble bean?
[Listen on Apple Podcasts | Watch on YouTube]
In this episode of The Health Feast, Po and I sit down with Barbara Gates—a passionate educator, food activist, and founder of Healthy Kids Happy Planet. Barbara has spent the last two decades on a mission to bring joy, culture, and plant-based nutrition into schools across the country.
Her journey began with a single act of advocacy as a mom pushing back on school milk policy—and grew into a statewide resolution promoting vegetarian meals, and eventually a nationally available classroom curriculum: Cool Beans from Around the World.
With her theater background and contagious spirit, Barbara shows up in classrooms as “Queen Bean,” sings songs about lentils and legumes, and transforms nutrition education into a playful, empowering experience for kids of all backgrounds.
In This Episode, We Dive Into:
How school food policy became Barbara’s unexpected calling
The power of culture and storytelling in changing eating habits
Why beans are nutritional superstars—and how to get kids excited about them
What it takes to create a truly “happy planet” through food education
Barbara doesn’t just talk about change—she embodies it, one classroom, one child, and yes… one bean at a time.
This episode is a celebration of what’s possible when purpose meets creativity—and how even a single bean can start a movement.
Live well and RAK ON,
Dr. Rak 👊🏽
Guest Bio
Barbara Gates has been a children’s health educator and advocate since her own children entered public school over two decades ago. In 2003, she spearheaded a CA coalition to successfully pass the first ever school lunch legislation calling for daily plant-based school lunches. Three more states followed suit.
She founded Healthy Kids Happy Planet in 2010 and since then, Barbara and her team have partnered with educators to bring environmentally focused nutrition education and culinary experiences to thousands of students in classrooms and the school cafeteria. Barbara earned a BFA in theatre, and holds a certificate from E-Cornell in Plant-based nutrition.
Connect with Barbara Gates
🔗 Instagram: @healthkidshappyplanet
🔗 Website: https://healthykidshappyplanet.org/
Timestamps:
00:00 Concern for Future Generations
03:46 The Journey of a Food Activist
16:12 The Power of Education in Nutrition
22:18 Challenges in School Nutrition Policies
29:04 Cultural Shifts in Plant-Based Eating
40:14 Innovative Approaches to Nutrition Education
43:27 Engaging Kids with Nutrition Trivia
45:08 Cultural Lessons Through Food
46:35 Funding and Support for Nutrition Education
49:56 Creating Impactful Nutrition Programs
58:03 Involving Parents in Nutrition Education
01:06:00 Encouraging Kids to Share Healthy Habits
01:10:53 Final Thoughts on Plant-Based Eating
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Disclaimer: The Health Feast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. As with any changes affecting your health, we recommend and encourage you to consult your medical doctor or other qualified healthcare professionals before making lifestyle changes. The opinions expressed are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our employers.
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