A fun way to teach kids about nutrition
Where to find it: Fruits and Veggies Matter More
– www.foodchamps.org
Who runs the site: The site is run by the Produce for Better
Health Foundation, which is funding the Fruits and Veggies Matter
More campaign. The nonprofit works to educate consumers on the
benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. The group also works
on efforts to update nutrition policy and collaboration with
government agencies that impact nutrition.
A fun way to teach kids about nutrition
Where to find it: Fruits and Veggies Matter More – www.foodchamps.org
Who runs the site: The site is run by the Produce for Better Health Foundation, which is funding the Fruits and Veggies Matter More campaign. The nonprofit works to educate consumers on the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables. The group also works on efforts to update nutrition policy and collaboration with government agencies that impact nutrition.
Who is likely to use the site: Parents who want to teach their kids about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, in a fun and interactive way. The site targets kids from ages 2 to 8.
Pros: The site has a variety of games for kids to play that teach them about nutrition in an age appropriate way. The site is colorful and easy to navigate so older kids will be able to use it with a little parent supervision while little ones will need more help. The games are divided up so there are some geared for kids ages 2 to 5, and some for kids 6 to 8.
One example of the games is the matching game. It has closeup photos of several fruits and vegetables and then photos of the whole fruit next to them. Kids need to match the close ups with the whole fruit. When they get the match right, they are given a fact about the fruit or vegetable.
The site also includes coloring sheets and activities pages for kids that can be printed out and completed.
The best part of the site is the kid-friendly recipes that kids can help put together with their parents. Some of the recipes include nachos, veggie pizzas, apple and banana snacks – all with a healthy twist. The site creators have even included a Food Champs party kit so that they can plan a healthy party for kids. The kit includes placemats, invitations and place cards that can be printed, as well as ideas on how to incorporate fruits and veggies into the snack foods.
Cons: The games really are geared toward younger children so it will probably be boring for any kid older than 10.
