The Fresh Prepared Salads Producer Group is taking up the challenge to get kids to eat their greens by launching a Salad Bag Art competition; an idea which was developed after research showed that one in two parents play games at meal times to encourage their children to eat more healthily. Youngsters are being invited to create a work of art from fresh salad bag leaves – which are packed full of essential vitamins and minerals – to be in with a chance of ‘bagging’ a place on a fabulous cookery course and a weekend in London for all the family.
Healthy food is essential fuel for adults and growing kids alike. However, encouraging children to eat well can be a difficult task. In a survey conducted among nearly 1200 parents, 34% said their children dislike salad and 29% won’t eat vegetables. The survey also reported that nearly a quarter (23%) of under-16s, rarely or never try new foods.
However, the answer may not be as elusive as it appears. Says Carola Weymouth, of Cookie Crumbles, kid’s cookery school: “It’s clear that parents still struggle to get their children to eat their greens but parents are reporting that familiarising techniques such as creating pictures and getting children involved in food preparation really do help conquer their resistance to trying new or previously disliked foods. This competition gives parents and children an ideal opportunity to familiarise themselves with salad ingredients and using a bagged salad will provide a variety of shapes, textures and flavours for children to enjoy.”
Nutritionists are often telling us to eat a rainbow of different coloured fruits and vegetables, to ensure a variety of vitamins and phytonutrients; the mix of highly nutritious leaves available in fresh prepared salad bags, combined with other salad ingredients create a medley of bright colours which are great for both adults and children to enjoy. The rainbow of colours also helps make great art!”
