In a time when processed foods dominate our tables, children need to understand where food comes from. Most of us are also far removed from farms, and, unsurprisingly, some children think food comes from grocery stores. Of course, older children may understand a bit about food production from science lessons, but they need activities to help them grasp the whole process.
Teaching children the source of food promotes healthier eating habits. It also instills an appreciation of the hard work of farmers and the intricate process of food production.
7 Fun ways to teach children about food
1. Visit a farm
Visiting a farm is one of the most effective hands-on approaches to teaching children how food grows. It provides a firsthand look at the life cycle of plants and animals.
Children will get to see that not all food grows the same way. Some grow on vines, some are picked from trees, and some grow on tall stalks. They will also learn the whole farming process from waiting for the proper seasons, planting seeds, caring for the plants, harvesting, and storing or distributing.
Even more exciting, they may get to interact with animals. It’s fun feeding animals and seeing the milking of cows.
2. Grow something
Understandably, not everyone has the space to have a garden. But if you have space in your backyard, grow something and involve your children. Children enjoy getting their hands dirty, which may be an incredible learning experience. Unlike visiting a farm, they become part of the process, from planting seeds to picking food with their own hands. Even if you don’t have a backyard, a few potted plants will do. You can grow herbs like basil to show them the growth process.
3. Make grocery shopping fun
Grocery shopping can be fun and educational, so include your children in making the grocery list. Talk about the items in your grocery list, why you’ve selected them, and how they may help their bodies.
For every item you pick, ask your children where they think the product comes from: “Where does cow’s milk come from?” or “What is the source of almond milk?”
4. Food mapping
Discussing global food sources can be exciting, depending on your child’s interests. Take cues from your children on what they want to learn about the foods. Some will be interested in history, while others will be interested in geography.
Use fun and memorable questions when giving them new facts. “You mean vanilla mainly comes from Mexico, Madagascar, and Indonesia?” “Did you know that we can’t get mangoes now because they are out of season?” or “Did you know that bananas had big seeds before we domesticated them from the wild?”
When making your grocery list, pick three items, find a map on your phone, and show them where that food comes from. Let them guess how the food reaches you. Does it come by ship, plane, or a big truck? This is a fun way to let them explore with their imagination and sharpen their critical thinking.
5. Cooking adventures
Your kitchen can be a place where curiosity meets education. Involving your children in meal prepping and cooking can teach them cooking skills, the selection of ingredients, and the importance of recipes. This is also another opportunity to teach them about the origins of foods, types of healthy foods, and the nutritional value the food has for their bodies.
Also, involving children in cooking may help them appreciate the work that goes into meal preparation. They may start enjoying mealtime and be less likely to waste food.
6. Source your food locally and seasonally
Eating fresh produce may help children and teens appreciate the local farmers and markets. They also learn about their immediate communities, food-producing regions, and seasons. Better yet, they grow up healthier and stronger.
7. Apps and educational resources
A hands-on approach is the best way to teach children how food grows. However, apps and online resources may make learning fun and interactive and reinforce what they have learned through various activities. So, find apps that teach people about farming, gardening, and the origins of foods. You may also find online quizzes about food and make learning more enjoyable.
Nurturing a lifelong appreciation of food
Teaching your children where food comes from is about imparting information and helping them appreciate the sources of nourishment. You can combine real-life experiences and stories, hands-on approaches, and interactive learning to help children make informed choices about food. Better yet, it’s a way to foster a connection with their environment and the hardworking people who ensure our sustenance every day.
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