#GimmeFive: FIVE ways FoodCorps Members Help Connect Kids to Real Food

Happy 5th Anniversary, Let’s Move! First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! program has helped kids eat healthier and be more active so they can reach all their dreams. To celebrate the fifth anniversary, I am challenging YOU to #GimmeFive examples of how you are changing your habits to lead a healthier life. Do you walk to school or work? Have you tried a new fruit or veggie? Started a small herb garden? Then you should #GimmeFive !

As the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market FoodCorps service member, I highlight a variety of fruits and veggies while engaging kids of all ages to love and feel good about the food they eat. We play, cook, and have fun! No matter where we are serving, from Hawai’i to Maine, FoodCorps members use some awesome strategies to get kids on board with veggies and fruits. Here’s a list of, you guessed it, FIVE ways FoodCorps members help connect kids to real food:

1. Eat the Rainbow

Illustration by Service Member Emily Seymour, Adapted from Life Lab

Eating the five colors (red, orange/yellow, green, blue/purple, and white) is an easy way to make sure you are getting the vitamins, minerals, and fiber your body needs for you to be at your best. Make your meals colorful and not only will you brighten up your plate, you’ll power up your day! Try this recipe for a Rainbow Smoothie:

2. Don’t Yuck My Yum

It never feels good when you hear “gross” or “yucky” in response to a food you like, so we don’t say those words. Encourage your kids to use descriptive words like “sweet” or “crunchy” when talking about food. Using phrases like “it wasn’t for me” or “I would add/use less ________” are great ways to get kids thinking about how they best enjoy their food.

The kids were put off by putting basil into our fruit-infused waters, but strawberry-lemon-basil ended up being a hit!

3. Make it Fun

Who says food can’t be silly and creative? Not us! From making caterpillar fruit kabobs to snowpeople out of cauliflower, raisins, and carrots, letting your kids express themselves will make them more eager to finish their food. Snack time is fun time!

“Make-Your-Own” Yogurt bowls is a fun way to let your kids customize their snack.

4. All Hands on Deck

We all need a little help, especially in the kitchen. Have your kids lend a hand with age-appropriate tasks. Little ones can rip kale and romaine lettuce for salad and older kids can prepare seasonings and more by using their measurement (math) skills. Also, meal prep is a great time to share stories and jokes; before you know it, it’ll be time to eat!

Let your kids grate/shred while you supervise.

5. Try New Things

Maybe it’s not that you don’t like broccoli but rather don’t like your mom’s mushy broccoli covered in “cheese sauce.” Our taste buds are changing all the time, so give broccoli (or any other veggie you gripe over) another chance with a sauce or seasoning that suits you. Cook simple recipes with one to two new things to ease you and your kids into it. A great way to encourage them is the “two-bite policy: take two bites and let me know what you think then.” In no time, your kids will be asking for round two!

Cutting up sweet potatoes for our vegan-style callaloo

I challenge you to try these and others on your path to wellness. Keep the good feelings going and share your own #GimmeFive (big and small) on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Let’s give a hoot for veggies and fruit!