#ffchallenge

As a mom I am always searching for the healthiest options for my family. When it comes to food I think we all want to provide the best options possible for our children. It can often feel a bit overwhelming–organic, GMO’s, antibiotics, sustainable…and that is just the tip of the iceberg! I have tried to simplify and look for one word–LOCAL. 

I know when I am purchasing local food I am not only offering my family products that will taste good (and therefore be eaten vs. waste away on the shelves) but also will be healthier, fresher and in season. 

I have one child who is very picky. She will look at a plate of food and immediately find a hundred things wrong with whatever I am serving! I don’t usually have that issue when I am serving local food. The colors are brighter, the textures are spot on, and the taste…amazing. We are always looking to find ways to introduce new choices to the picky menu and I know when I can make something using local ingredients I will most likely “win.”

Now that the kids are back in school I am tasked with creating lunches each day that will not only be healthy and taste good but will last in a lunch box until lunch time arrives. I have found using a Bento Box really helps with portions and keeping food looking and tasting great. This is an example of a recent Local Lunch Box:

It includes local cucumber, a local hard boiled egg, local cantaloupe, local cherry tomatoes, a whole wheat tortilla ham wrap, and a wedge of spreadable cheese. My daughter can add the cheese, tomatoes and cucumbers to the wrap when she is ready to eat so her lunch doesn’t get soggy.

Snacks are also another area to sneak in healthy options with local products. One of my family’s favorites is tomatoes with basil and mozzarella. Simple and so yummy.

Even deserts can be a little bit healthier when using local products! I was feeling a bit lazy the other evening but wanting something sweet after dinner. So, I used local peaches to make a warm peach crumble and added a few shortcakes I had picked up at The Merc Co-Op. My family went nuts over it and it only took about 20 minutes to prep and bake. 

Those lazy nights seem to hit frequently during the school year when we are all running in different directions. I am so appreciative that our local grocery stores have caught on to the local movement. I picked up this yummy pre-made salad, made with local ingredients, the other day at the Clinton Parkway Hy-Vee. It was so good and my kids asked for seconds. 

Starting kids young is important. It is more difficult to introduce new flavors when the picky monster has already entered the picture. I absolutely adore this video of Eileen Horn’s son (she is the Sustainability Coordinator for Douglas County) tasting peaches for the first time–and of course they are local! I think he is going to be a peach fan for life.

Choosing local makes my life easier. It really is that simple. And when I choose foods that are in season I am not paying more for better quality. In fact, I frequently pay less! I encourage any parent who is trying to find ways to get their child to eat healthier, try new options, or just not complain every meal, to try local. Leo would recommend the peaches.