Real Food Rules - RJK Middle School (Monticello NY CSD)

What happens when 6th graders learn about nutrition and get to write their own lyrics?In the winter of 2026, students at Robert J. Kaiser (RJK) Middle School in Monticello, NY, partnered with STEAM Fund’s teaching artists Beth & Scott Bierko to explore the difference between real food and processed food—and transformed what they learned into original songwriting lyrics for the high-energy song Real Food Rules.Through the Real Food Songwriting Program, students connected wellness, creativity, and teamwork while building skills across science, health, language arts, and music. Inspired by questions like “What does food mean to you?” and “How does food make you feel?”, their lyrics highlight how real food fuels focus, energy, and healthy habits—while encouraging smarter choices like reading labels, choosing whole foods, and swapping out ultra-processed snacks.🎤 Song: “Real Food Rules” – Lyrics written and performed by 6th Graders at RJK Middle SchoolListen for the powerful message about real vs. ultra-processed foods, making smart healthy choices, and how paying attention to what we eat can shape how we feel—and celebrate how music can inspire lifelong wellness! ❤️🥕🍎🎵This project was made possible by the generous support of:• The Rowley Family Foundation• The Bonacic Family Foundation• Sullivan County Discretionary Fund• 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon ❤️• SC BOCES AIE CoSerInterested in bringing this engaging, student-centered program to your school or district? Visit steamfund.org and contact Gary Siegel to learn how The Real Food Songwriting Program can work for your school and community.Special thanks to everyone at RJK Middle School and our friends at A Single Bite for making this experience so meaningful!