Did you know that eating healthy can set students up for academic success? In many children’s centers, little learners eat their breakfast or a morning snack at school. Healthy eating habits begin early, so it is important that the food we serve children is delicious and nutritious!
A simple way to ensure that we are serving fresh, healthy food is by offering fruits and veggies that are in season. Seasonal produce is tastier and more nutritious than fruits and vegetables that are out of season. You can find the fruits and vegetables that are in season during each month of the year at fruitsandveggies.org.
Click here to download this sheet.
Do you have some picky eaters who are less interested in trying new fruits and veggies? View our list below for some ideas to encourage children to be more excited about trying new produce.
Make a smoothie. Carrots and greens can be easily added to a yogurt smoothie with seasonal fruits to create a sweet and tasty snack!
Bake healthy muffins. Have you ever tried mixing fruits and veggies into a healthy muffin recipe? Muffins are a great way to sneak some healthy produce into a simple, easy-to-grab snack. Children might even enjoy helping to prepare them! Visit My Bored Toddler’s website for a recipe that is kid-friendly and easy to make with little ones.
Add veggies to a familiar food. If the children in your care like to stick to perennial favorites like mac’n’cheese or pizza, try adding some healthy veggies to foods they already enjoy. Peas, broccoli, and cauliflower are easy to sneak into pasta or pizza dishes. Seeing new veggies as part of a familiar food might make children more likely to give them a try.
Make food fun to eat. Fruits and vegetables can be cut into different shapes for a fun snack time experience. The Decorated Cookie website shares fun ideas for silly food faces and fruit pops.
A quick and simple note home (example below) lets parents know their child is eating healthy food. You might invite children to draw a picture of one of the fruits or veggies they’ve enjoyed to attach to your note.
