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» Produce for Better Health Foundation “Fruits & Veggies—More Matters®” Pamphlet
Learn more about Chef Art Smith
The Love Your Veggies™ campaign has received support from the following organization
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The School Nutrition Foundation More Here » |
GARDENING TIPS FROM JEANNE PINSOF NOLAN
Jeanne Pinsof Nolan, “The Organic Gardener,” works with families to create and maintain organic vegetable gardens, teaching them the importance of eating the vegetables they grow. As a mom, she knows first-hand that getting kids to eat vegetables isn’t always an easy task. Jeanne helped her own daughter love her veggies by getting her hands dirty helping in the garden. Gardening can be done anywhere, anytime, and Jeanne has great ideas for parents wanting to get their kids excited about vegetables from plant to plate:
LET’S GET PHYSICAL: Since gardening is a physical activity, it’s a great way to get kids moving while taking part in nature and learning new things. A child can burn around 100 calories in one hour of light gardening – planting seeds, watering, harvesting vegetables, etc. – depending on age, gender and weight.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Just like our bodies need nutrients from vegetables to grow strong and stay healthy, vegetables need nutrients from the ground. As you fill your vegetable plots, beds or pots with soil and fertilizer, let your kids know that it’s the food their vegetables need to grow into something they can eat.
STAKE THEIR CLAIM: Gardening gives kids a sense of ownership. Allocate a section of your plot or a special pot specifically for the kids. Have them choose which vegetables to plant and take the lead on maintaining this section of the garden. At harvest time, let your kids choose recipes to cook that feature the vegetables. Get them involved in the meal preparation. They will feel a great sense of satisfaction knowing the family is enjoying their vegetables at the dinner table.
EXPLORE THE MARKET: Take your kids with you to the farmers’ market – they are so much fun to explore and can really become an all-day activity. Explain to kids that the farmers grew their vegetables just like you’re doing at home, and make sure to try enjoying a post-shopping snack of the fresh vegetables you find at the market dipped in some ranch dressing. The veggies you bring home can serve as inspiration for trying new recipes, especially ones that the kids can help with in the kitchen.
PLANT THE SEEDS OF KNOWLEDGE: The fall and winter months are not usually ideal for getting the 6-8 hours of sunlight needed for a successful outdoor – or indoor – garden. Use this time to review seed catalogues with your children to plan the vegetables you will grow in the garden come spring.
GARDENING 101: Work with the principal and teachers to get a school garden started. Kids at all grade levels will be able to take part – and pride – in this hands-on project. Teachers can also work gardening and nutrition lessons into the classroom curriculum.
