fresh foods they find. “It’s a fun hands-on way to talk about whole foods and clean eating,” says Ms. Doleac. “Kids start to see which foods help fuel their bodies and why they’re the best foundation for a healthy meal.” ...Then Make a Meal Using the cutouts, have kids “build” their own meal for dinner — choosing ingredients, arranging them on a plate, and talking through why they picked each one. “Activities like this make healthy eating feel playful and approachable,” adds Ms. Savage. “Kids get excited about trying new foods when they get to design the meal themselves.” Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College. watched grow,” says Alisha Grogan, a pediatric occupational therapist. “It sparks curiosity and builds a positive connection to fresh foods in a way that is hard to replicate anywhere else.” Tending to their plants gives kids a sense of ownership and pride, and they are often far more excited to taste the foods they helped grow, whether it is picking cherry tomatoes off the vine or snipping herbs they nurtured themselves. Bake Something Wholesome Kids love to bake. Have them help you make a loaf of bread with whole wheat flour or a banana bread with some overripe bananas. “Making pasta or gnocchi is another fun option,” says Ms. Savage, “but be prepared for the mess!” Cut Out Images of Food Gather old magazines and let kids cut out pictures of fruits, veggies, and other 104 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2026 “Kids are much more invested in foods they have watched grow”
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