LOCAL EVENTS

This weekend, my family attended the Black and Blueberry Festival in a neighboring town.  At first, my son seemed confused, but then I picked a blueberry and handed it to him.  He examined it carefully, then sniffed it, and a light seemed to come on in his head.  He laughed with delight and popped the berry into his mouth, then immediately held out his hand for more.  In his world, the only blueberries he'd ever had came from a little plastic box we picked up at the grocery store.  There were a lot of toddlers at this event and I could hear several sets of parents scattered among the blueberry bushes explaining to their kids what size and color  the berries should be before they picked them and encouraging them to sample different berries to see how they tasted.  Attending local food festivals like this allows us to teach our children that before our fruit and vegetables get put into little boxes and shipped to our stores, they take a lot of care to grow and pick.  Plus, fruit straight off the bush tastes amazing!

FARMERS' MARKETS

Farmers' Markets are a win-win situation:  the merchants have a place to sell their goods and the customers benefit from the fresh-grown or homemade goodness of the foods.  Take your toddler to the Farmers' Market with you and on the way, explain that the actual farmers who grew the fruits and veggies or made the cheese or jellies will be there.  Introduce your toddler to the farmers and ask them questions about how they grow and harvest their crops.  If someone is selling jams, jellies, chutneys or salsa, ask them how their goods are made.  Let your child pick out his or her own produce and make sure to buy an apple or pear to eat immediately!

MAKE FRESH FOODS A FAMILY AFFAIR

Exposing our kids to foods from the source not only helps them learn about where their food comes from, but can also start fun family traditions.  If you attend a fun local festival, make it a regular event for your family! Everyone will look forward to going out  to pick their own foods.  Get to know the local merchants at your Farmers' Market.  Who knows? Maybe you and your toddler will make a good friend who will save the cream of the crop just for you!