How to Get Children to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

One of the best ways to get children interested in eating fruits and vegetables is to start a garden. Doing so can also provide an opportunity to teach them about the nutritional value of locally grown food. And, not only will this give them a better appreciation of where their food comes from, but also gets them interested in trying new foods. After all, they helped grow it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Location to plant the garden
• Gardening supplies
• Seeds
• Soil
• Water
• Cook books
• Art supplies
• Small stakes to attach plant signs

1. Pique their interest. One of the best ways to spark children’s interest in gardening is to let them help with the design. The National Garden Association suggests giving it a literature theme like “Peter Rabbit” or planting a “rainbow garden.”
2. Figure out the location of the garden. An area in direct sunlight is best.
3. Purchase the plants you will grow. Starting from seeds is most cost-efficient. Shoot for a variety of colors because each different colored fruit and vegetable has different nutrients. After planting, have the children make creative signs that will mark each planting.
4. Look up some different recipes with the children that all of you will make together when the plants are ready to harvest. They’ll already be interested in wanting to try the crops that they helped grow, but helping to prepare them will add even more appeal.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to keep all chemicals like fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides out of children’s reach.
• Be sure to supervise children when using sharp gardening tools.