Kids Need 5 A Day

Childhood is the time when kids establish eating patterns that can last a lifetime. Teach your children how to make informed nutritious food choices with these suggestions:

Help children get at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day with these strategies. 
 

• Keep fruits and veggies readily available where kids can see them (e.g., on the counter or table) and leave washed, cut, ready-to-eat produce on the top shelf in the fridge.
• Involve kids in meal planning and preparation. Let younger children wash spinach, tear up lettuce or peel carrots. Teach older kids how to use a knife safely by cutting veggies to toss into a stir-fry.
• Make fruit beverages. Fruit smoothies are popular with kids and when made with yogurt or milk can also be a great way to add more calcium.
• Freeze fruits. Frozen grapes and melon are a fun, refreshing treat for kids, especially on hot summer days.
• Play hide-and-seek with fruits and veggies. Blend cooked cauliflower or sweet potatoes into traditional mashed potatoes, or shred carrots and zucchini into spaghetti sauce.
• Start a small garden. Most kids will eat vegetables they helped grow.