A new program launched by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association is encouraging kids to pack their own lunch and make healthy choices.
Students at Millwood Elementary, in Middle Sackville, N.S. are working with local chefs to create easy, kid friendly lunches with lots of freggies – slang for fruits and vegetables.
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association launched the Freggie Children’s Program to help students improve their food skills and create their own meals with healthy options.
“Canadians are eating less than the amount of fruits and vegetables you're supposed to eat and everyone knows they're healthy and they’re tasty, but we've got to up the amount they're eating,” says Selena Karkash of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association.
Experts recommend half your dinner plate be filled with fruits and vegetables.
For the picky eater, chef Jon Geneau suggests making healthy options fun.
“Make it exciting for the kids, cut them in fun shapes, different presentations, something everyone in the family can enjoy,” says Geneau.
Student Natalie Hill says her experience with the Freggie Children’s Program has opened her up to vegetables.
“I tried to avoid vegetables as much as I could at dinner time, but now I'm trying everything,” says Hill. “I realize that even though it’s vegetables, it’s good for you and it tastes good.”
Student Jayden Lee knows how important it is to meet your fruit and vegetable recommendations. A poor diet landed him in the doctor’s office.
“I was feeling really not well,” says Lee.
Then he started eating healthier.
“I feel great now,” says Lee. “I feel way better. I feel like I can do more stuff now…way more energy.”
Organizers hope the kids will return home and share what they have learned with the rest of the family and even make healthy suggestions on their next trip to the grocery store.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Marie Adsett
