At Rainier Fruit we are a family company and we are always looking for more ways to give back and support families and communities where we can make a difference and there is no greater cause than service to our country.
This month we have joined forces with Produce for Kids and the Military Produce Group to support Month of the Military Child. April 1 through April 30, commissary shoppers can be on the lookout for the Produce for Kids logo near participating products to help give back to Feeding America® food bank programs within the commissary’s market area.
Today, the U.S. military has approximately 2.2 million active and reserve service men and women representing and protecting our country and nearly 2 million children of military families who are also called to serve in their own way. With frequent deployments, medical bills and more, some military families can struggle with food insecurity and it is reported that up to 25% of military families have used food banks or food donation programs to supplement their food budgets.
We are grateful for our partnership with Produce for Kids and Military Produce Group to help give back to the men and women and their families who provide service to our country and show us the true meaning of being Wholesome to the Core. We are also excited to help Produce for Kids celebrate military children.
Whether families head outside to enjoy an activity, or they sit down around the dinner table for a nutritious meal – the together part is the healthy part. And one of the best ways to get kids to enjoy a healthy meal is to let them be part of the process. The team at Produce for Kids has shared with us some great tips to help get kids to eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Get kids in the kitchen – kids are more likely to try something if they help make it, so get them involved! Little ones can help toss a salad, mix or wash veggies, while older kids can help measure, chop and cook.
- Lead by example – this one is important. If parents aren’t eating fruits and veggies, kids won’t either. Be adventurous and try new fruits and veggies together.
- Make it fun – break out the cookie cutters, skewers or fun plates and let kids play with their food. Use a cookie cutter to turn sandwiches into fun themed lunchboxes, turn apples into healthy donuts for a fun snack or skewer your favorite fruits for delicious kebobs.
- Dip ‘em – for kids, sometimes you just need a yummy dip to pair with your fruits or veggies. This 5-Ingredient Tzatziki Dip is perfect for veggies, like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers and more. Go fruity with this Very Berry Cheesecake Dip or yummy Apple Nachos.
- Pair favorites with newbies – try combining a favorite fruit or veggie with something new. Kids might not try jicama alone, but pair it with apples for this easy salad and you could have it a hit on your hands.
- Let them decide – take them with you to the grocery store and let them pick out a fruit or veggie to try. You never know what they’ll end up choosing and liking!
- Swap it out – there are so many easy ways to swap in veggies these days. Replace rice with cauliflower rice for fried rice, spiralized veggie noodles for pasta or avocados for butter and oil in these delicious Dark Chocolate Avocado Brownies.
- Blend it up – smoothies are an easy way to get in some extra fruits and veggies! Check out this Build Your Own Smoothie guide to mix and match ingredients.
We know that living Wholesome to the Core starts at home and grows through our communities. May we all set good examples to help children grow into healthy, strong adults.
To learn more about Produce for Kids® visit their website at www.produceforkids.com. Through their work they believe in creating a healthier generation through cause-marketing programs that provide easy, fun and inspiring recipes to help families live healthier lives. Since 2002, Produce for Kids has donated more than $6 million to charities that benefit children and families nationwide.
Military Produce Group services 93 commissary locations across the United States. To learn more about the Month of the Military Child campaign, visit http://produceforkids.com/military.