Child Nutrition: Keep Fruits & Vegetables in Reach

Most children eat fewer fruits and vegetables than recommended. Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with the development of obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Multiple studies support the relationship between accessibility of fruits and vegetables and increased consumption of these foods.....If fruits and vegetables are in reach and ready to eat, people eat more of these foods. 

Tips to help increase fruit & vegetable consumption of the children in your care (and you too!):

• Keep a bowl of washed fresh fruits on the kitchen table. 
• Buying fruits in season not only saves money, but fruits taste much better in season.
• Put washed and cut fruits and vegetables on the front shelf of your refrigerator where they can be easily seen. 
• For vegetables try: carrots, celery, zucchini, jicama, snap peas, mini sweet peppers, cucumber, broccoli and cauliflower. 
• Be sure to offer healthy dips such as hummus or low-fat ranch to improve acceptance. 
• Some fruits may need to be prepped and stored in the refrigerator for increased access depending on the age and current acceptance level of the child. Slice melons, pineapple, apples, oranges, pears, peaches, nectarines & kiwi. Sprinkle fruits that brown with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.  
• Baby carrots, baby cucumbers, mini sweet peppers, snap peas and cherry tomatoes require no cutting and can be a time saver for busy families. 
• Readily accessible fruits include: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, bananas, tangerines, plums & apricots.

Enjoy these posts for more information on child feeding & nutrition. 

If you are a child care provider in California you can receive cash reimbursements for providing healthy food to the children in your care. If you are a child care provider in El Dorado, Alpine, Placer, Nevada or Mono county our agency can help you enroll in the California Child Care Food Program (CCFP).