Farmer’s Market Finds And How to Get Your Kids to Choose Healthy
Growing up a farmer’s daughter, I’ve learned to appreciate the hands that work hard bringing food to our tables each and every day. It’s definitely a labor of love. One way I choose to not only support local growers, but also local businesses, is by visiting our farmers market. Vendors arrive with smiles, fresh produce, unique products and sometimes their trusty sidekicks of the four-legged variety whom my children all love, scratch behind their ears, and know on a first dog-name basis.
Taking my children to experience the open-air market allows them the opportunity to become familiar with the people in their town whose passions lie in getting their hands dirty in the soil, just like their grandpa. The hardworking retailers who craft exquisite jewelry or paintings because they must create to keep their hearts fulfilled are people I want my children to be inspired by. If I’m honest with you, my kids are really in it for the kettle corn, yet that doesn’t stop me from providing them with an experience I know they secretly love and will always cherish.
One of the ways I get my children involved is by letting each of them choose a food item—fruit, vegetable, dairy—that I’ll incorporate into a meal during the week. They have the freedom to wander around and select any fruit or vegetable they’d like to try. And yes, when we began this ritual, I reminded them weekly that cookies and chocolate bars are not vegetables nor on the periodic table of fruit. Also, we set the ground rule we would try one another’s choices without complaining before having a taste. Now, Saturday mornings run a little smoother, yet you never know what might happen. Will this be the time one of my kids finally chooses beets? Will we have to play rock, paper, scissors if two reach for the same item at the same time? It’s always an adventure.
Some veggies are home runs, while others—not so much—and that’s okay. You never know if you’ll like something until you try it, right? One of our family favorites so far was when I paired grilled asparagus, sprinkled with a touch of sea salt and fresh parmesan cheese, with a flavor- infused Indiana Kitchen Tenderloin, and baked potatoes. I know it’s a favorite when there’s less talking and more eating around the table. Speaking of grilling, don’t forget to enter Indiana Kitchen’s Outdoor Sweepstakes for you’re chance to win an amazing outdoor kitchen! Click here for more details!
Last Saturday my daughter asked if she could forgo her food choice for something different, promising it wasn’t covered in icing or sticky sweet. I looked into her eyes and couldn’t say no. She took my hand and led me to a display of fresh cut flowers. She smiled, and said, “Just for you, Mommy.” Yes, there were waterworks. Until she hit me with, “Since I did something nice for you, will you buy me a dog?” Oh, sweet child of mine!
Gabby
Chief Family Officer
Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win Indiana Kitchen’s Outdoor Kitchen Sweepstakes! Click here for details!
