This week's e-letter article is written by Foodwise Kids Education Coordinator Damaris Bonner.
Picture it: You’re a third-grade student arriving at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market at 10:00 am on a Tuesday morning, and you’re overcome with the sights and sounds around you. There’s the hustle-n-bustle of folks walking around, the vibrant display of fruits and veggies, and the cable car bell ringing in the background. As you take it all in, you see a lady approaching your class, waving with a big ol’ smile and joyously welcoming you with a “good morning!” That lady is me, Damaris Bonner, the Education Coordinator for Foodwise Kids.
Being in this role for almost two years now, I have learned that kids feel more comfortable exploring the market and trying new foods when we prepare them. It’s not a lot of work. Rather, it’s about reassuring them that it’s going to be a fun adventure, and that they will have agency in their decisions. If you are a parent who is seeking some advice on how to get your child interested in eating fruits and vegetables and nurturing their curiosity in food, then this article is for you! I will share some simple ways to explore the farmers market together with an openness to tasting all delicious foods within.