Friday, April 23, 2010 by Kathy Means
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, some seven-year-olds get it
Often here on Field to Fork we talk about studies that measure childrens’ consumption of fruits and vegetables but sometimes the most telling insights we get are from our own family members. I was back in my childhood home (St. Joseph, Missouri) for my dad’s 80th birthday last weekend. I spent a lot of time on the other end of the age spectrum with my 7-year-old nephew. I asked him what his favorite vegetables were, and he didn’t have many, as you might expect: green beans, peas, carrots (if they’re candied!). He gave a big NO to broccoli, cauliflower, salad of any kind, and more. We had the same conversation about fruits – he’s into melons and pears evidently.
But then later, we had a conversation that every older relative has with the youngsters. I said he was growing up too fast for me, and could I please put a brick on his head so he would stay the same as he is now. He said that was silly and it wouldn’t work. So I asked if I could take away his fruits and vegetables. He looked stunned and appalled. He said: “No Aunt Kathy, I have to have those to grow big and strong. You can’t take away my fruits and vegetables.” (No, he doesn’t have a clue what I do for a living.)
He may not yet have developed a taste for the bounty our industry offers, but he’s into a few, and I suspect his taste will grow as he grows. More importantly, he knows fruits and vegetables are important. Instilling that in all our kids will be important for their future health and the health of our industry.