Encouraging kids to enjoy healthy food

Laurie Messing<lmessing@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Involve kids in food preparation to get them interested in eating healthy foods.

Keeping kids interested in eating healthy foods and trying new foods can be challenging for parents. Good nutrition for kids and adults alike can be achieved by utilizing the United State Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate plan. Following the MyPlate plan can be a difficult task at times. Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, trying to encourage your kids to try new foods and enjoy healthy foods can seem impossible. Michigan State University Extension reminds that there are many ways to involve your children in the food planning, grocery shopping, food preparation and even clean-up, which will keep kids interested in trying and enjoying those healthy foods we as parents want to see them eat.

Depending on the age of your children, they may be able to help with a wide variety of activities related to the food preparation. By nature, kids want to help their parents with jobs around the house. It may not seem so as they get older but watching a 2-year-old follow around a parent or older sibling “helping” them, their enthusiasm shines through. Kids as young as age two can help with food preparations and simple tasks around the kitchen. Below are ideas to get you thinking about how your child can help with food preparation and around the kitchen. Always remember to start any task in the kitchen you and your kids must properly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds in warm, soapy water.

  • Write a grocery list
  • Help put away groceries
  • Choose a vegetable or fruit for meal
  • Wipe the table
  • Put place mats on table
  • Place napkins and silverware on table
  • Wash fruits and vegetables
  • Measure ingredients
  • Stir ingredients
  • Clear the table

Involving kids in the kitchen can help spark and keep their interest in healthy foods and provide parents with some help as well.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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  • early childhood development,
  • family,
  • healthy youth,
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  • nutrition,
  • physical development and health
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