Children and families need vegetables and fruit for health and well-being
…but less than half are getting enough!
This Theme runs from April to December 2017. It supports kids and families to make vegetables and fruit part of every meal and snack. Activities work towards:
- offering vegetables and fruit to children in more settings
- encouraging habits that support eating vegetables and fruit, such as gardening and helping in the kitchen.
There are many exciting projects in this Theme, with partnerships with a variety of community agencies. A list of Theme 3 projects can be found on this page. A summary of our Theme 3 projects is available at this link.
Visit the Events Calendar that includes Healthy Kids Community Challenge (HKCC) activity dates.
Stay connected with HKCC Peterborough on Facebook and Twitter for updates, events and contests!
How Can We Boost Veggies and Fruit Together?
Here are some easy tips
Grow Together
FACT: Kids growing food may help boost the amount of veggies they eat.
Growing veggies & fruit: where do I start? http://nourishproject.ca/factsheets
Start a Food Garden
Watch Michelle Ferreri on gardening, veggies & fruit, and healthy kids
Learn about food growing programs
Find community gardens
Cook Together
FACT: Getting kids cooking may increase their willingness to try new veggies and fruit.
How young can kids start cooking? Cooking with kids of Different Ages
Get started in the kitchen:
- Find cooking inspiration
- Get kids in the kitchen – family kitchen
- Use veggies and fruit in new ways – search recipes by ingredient
- Try Nourish Project recipes
- Watch veggie & fruit recipe videos
- Cook on a budget
- Easy veggie & fruit snacks
- Make veggies & fruit fun!
- Find visual no-recipe, recipes for kids
Find Cooking Programs http://nourishproject.ca/cooking
Eat Together
FACT: Family meals are linked with MANY benefits… including healthier eating habits, stronger family relationships, and positive behaviours.
Why It makes a difference – Family Meals
How can I help kids love veggies & fruit ?
How many veggies & fruit do I need?
What is “moderation” for children? (video)
How can we pack healthy lunches together?
Nutrition at School for healthy Kids Video
Health Canada Healthy School Lunch Tips
Lunch Ideas and Q&A with a Dietitian
⇒ Download and Print Lunch Box Notes!
Find out if your toddler or preschooler is a healthy eater, what is going well, and what can be improved at www.nutritionscreen.ca
Talk to a dietitian for reliable nutrition information – call Eat Right Ontario at 1-877-510-5102, visit www.eatrightontario.ca or find a Registered Dietitian in Peterborough
Find Veggies and Fruit Together
FACT: Involving kids in shopping for veggies and fruit teaches them an important life skill.
What’s in season? Produce Availability Guide
Find markets, food programs, kitchens, gardens, and grocery stores – Peterborough community services map
Order monthly produce – Just Food Box
and
Store veggies and fruit, from A-Z.
Are frozen veggies & fruit healthy?
Find Community Meals, Food Programs and More at foodinpeterborough.ca
Boost Veggies and Fruit in the Community Together
FACT: Food and drinks offered where kids live learn and play, impact well-being of children, families, and communities.
Childcare and Children’s Programs
- Veggies & fruit games, rhymes, crafts, and stories (Coming Soon)
- Start cooking programs in your organization, with You’re the Chef
- Choose form fun games and activities that celebrate veggies and fruit
- Build healthy childcare menus that emphasize vegetables and fruit
Sports and Recreation
- Bring healthy sideline snacks to sports teams –
Benefits; Snack Cards - Get tips on healthy drinks and snacks during child sports and activity
Peterborough Petes encourage you to eat veggies and fruit at every meal and snack!
Schools
- Get veggies & fruit into the classroom – Brightbites.ca
- Find classroom resources promoting water, veggies & fruit
- Sell veggies & fruit and raise money for your school with Fresh From the Farm
- Why is healthy eating important at school sporting events? (video)
- Start a school garden
- Boost veggies and fruit with lesson plans, stories, and crafts
Share
How do you like to choose to boost veggies and fruit?
Have a question or “Healthy Kids” event to suggest for the Events Calendar?
Contact the Healthy Kids Community Challenge Coordinator, Claire Townshend: 705-743-1000 ext. 355
Resources
Do you need more information or resources?
Get reliable information about healthy eating! To speak to a registered dietitian for free, email Eat Right Ontario or call 1-877-510-5102
