4 Ways to Engage Kids Around Food in the Spring

Spring is my favorite season. I love the way the world seems to burst forth with life and we all start to venture outside more. We are all eager to soak up some sun and start anew. Similarly, the plants are coming to life with bulbs coming up and buds appearing on the trees. I also love this time of year because it offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with kids about where our food comes from as we notice the changes that are happening all around us.

Here are some of my favorite ways to get kids thinking about where their food comes from during the Spring:

1. Have them help plan a garden. This does not have to be a huge undertaking. If you don’t have much time or space for a garden, some great indoor-friendly foods are: herbs, micro greens, cherry tomatoes, and even avocados. If you have some room in your garden, fun starter plants for kids include: snap peas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and pumpkins.

2. Visit a local farm. Whether it is an animal farm or a fruit and vegetable farm. Getting out and seeing where our food comes from can be very powerful. In the later spring you can go berry picking, but earlier in the season you could visit a dairy farm or other local farm that has visiting hours.

3. Head out to local farmer’s markets. Take your kids and invite them to pick a fruit or vegetable that they would like to try.

4. Go food shopping with your child and take time to notice the fruits and vegetables that are reappearing in the stores (asparagus, artichokes, and berries are great examples at this time of year).

What are ways that you get your kids thinking about their food and where it comes from? I’d love to hear new ideas!