Everything is new to young kids, so when they only experience food selection at grocery stores and restaurants, that’s where they think their meals come from. When they learn about farming and harvesting, their perspective on the world grows. Here’s a breakdown on why you should show them local food sources.

Why Knowing the Origins of Food Is Beneficial

When children see how their food is grown, they’re more likely to develop a respect for environmental sources and a deeper understanding of nutrition and the benefits of fresh, local food. Eating mostly packaged foods, on the other hand, makes fresh produce a hard sell to picky eaters.

Seeing how fruits and vegetables grow and learning about the process of farming will tap into kids’ natural curiosity, making them more willing to try something new. In addition to produce, showing them how to gather eggs or milk teaches them about agriculture, science, and nature, which leads to a more well-rounded individual.

How to Show Kids Where Their Food Comes From

One of the best ways to connect kids to their food is to take them on a farm tour. They’ll see crops growing at different stages based on the season and can learn a wealth of information from the staff. Some farms may let kids join in on certain tasks and often have a cafe or market to purchase items seen on the tour.

Another option is to visit a farmer’s market. Pick out a few different examples of local food from area farms and head home to prepare a fresh, delicious meal. Plus, when your kids see how much you enjoy healthy eating, they’re more likely to follow suit.

If you have space, grow a few vegetables. Tomatoes can be planted even in the smallest areas. Children will get excited when they see their plants getting bigger and stronger, and they’ll be proud to share something they grew themselves with the rest of the family.

If you’re interested in taking your children on a farm tour, head to Kahuku Farms. Located on the North Shore of Oahu, the farm’s friendly staff presents the farming process for healthy, fresh, local food. From tropical fruits to cacao plants, their farm-to-table approach ensures top quality for their cafe and culinary offerings. Call (808) 628-0639 to sign up for a farm tour, or visit their website for a look at their cafe menu.