Food Revolution Kid’s Day at the Calabasas Farmers Market

Food Revolution Kid’s Day At The Calabasas Farmers Market

Thu 07 Jun 2012

Story by Kim Gerber
 

As we head into summer, we are presented with an abundance of activities for our kids which feature indulgences such as “florescent colored snow cones” and “deep fried hot dogs”. But with Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day kicking off the road to summer here in sunny Los Angeles, kids were found nibbling not on artificial food, but on farm-fresh snacks such as freshly picked carrots, cucumbers and summer peaches.

Yes, on Saturday May 19th, the world stood up for Real Food and OutoftheBoxFood.com, together with Jennifer McColm and the City of Calabasas, empowered kids to join in the movement by holding a community-wide event: Food Revolution Kids Day at the Calabasas Farmers Market -- and what a Revolution it was.

Armed with a reusable grocery bag, a wristband and a farmers market “treasure map”, kids from all over the Los Angeles area explored the Calabasas Farmers Market in search of fresh produce from local farmers. The discovery of farm fresh carrots from McGrath Family Farms, healthy mushrooms from LAFungHi, and gorgeous fruit from farmer/HealthierGeneration.org representative, Gene Etheridge of Etheridge Organics, inspired kids to try new, fresh produce. Throughout the markets, kids were seen sampling fruits and vegetables and engaged in conversation with farmers – It was truly a sight to warm the heart.

Tummies and grocery bags full, the children were treated to even more Real Food Activities to help solidify their interest in Real Food. A visit to Jennifer McColm’s Basil Planting station allowed the kids a first-hand experience into the world of growing food. Kids placed soil and seeds into their newly made compostable newspaper pot, ready to pop into their own backyards. A few weeks from now, there will be plenty of eyes focused on new basil sprouts, fingers itching to pick the first fragrant leaves.

A stop at the OutoftheBoxFood.com and Whole Foods Market Recipe Creation Station allowed kids to create their own farm-fresh recipes. With plenty of crayons, colored pencils, and a giant dose of imagination, kids invented recipes utilizing fresh fruits, vegetables and proteins, many of which will be gracing their own family’s table. It’s truly amazing what kids can create when given the opportunity. There were recipes ranging from “Pickle Chiffon Pie” (inspired by the sugar free/low-sodium pickles provided by Gunnar & Jakes), to “Tomato Sunshine” pasta and “Smoothy Groovy” fruit smoothie – There were even several lovely soup recipes utilizing lentils, fresh vegetables, and whole grains.

The event was rounded out with lively music, Fresh Salsa making demonstrations by Sagebrush Cantina, games and activities by local businesses Handstand Kids Coobook Company, Brinware and Tasty Brand, and even Real Food Story time and crafts under the gazebo presented by the Calabasas Library. It was truly a day of Real Fun and Real Food for kids.

With this year’s Food Revolution Day behind us, the goal to empower children to choose Real Food remains. As we head into a summer filled with tempting treats such as the “florescent snow cones” and “deep fried hot dogs”, remember this story of a Food Revolution Day when kids chose fresh carrots and cucumbers, when Real Food was fun, and when kids stood up and felt empowered to choose fresh.

“Give a child a meal; you have fed him for today. Teach a child to choose Real Food; and you have nourished him for a lifetime.” – K. Gerber

About the author: Kim Gerber is a Los Angeles Children’s Nutrition Advocate and author/creator of OutoftheBoxFood.com, a website dedicated to deconstructing processed kid food and offering fresh alternatives to families. Kim’s Real Food journey continues at home with her own family, including twin boys, as they learn together about the importance of choosing Real Food.

Images: Danielle Gerber and Catherine K.