By MaST Healthy Panther Post Cub reporters | Vegetables are an important food group, but many kids don’t eat enough of them. Some kids are picky eaters and shy away from trying new vegetables.
The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says there are fun ways to help kids taste new foods. Their article “Explore Produce with Kids” suggests going with your family to farmers’ markets and grocery stores.
When you shop, say the names of the vegetables you see. If you spot a vegetable that looks tasty, ask your parents to buy it. Having a choice can make it more exciting to try something new.
Another smart tip, the article says, is to pick vegetables that are different colors. Eating many colors helps your body get different nutrients. If a vegetable isn’t in season, check the freezer section for frozen ones.
You can also ask your parents questions about how vegetables taste and how they are cooked. If the store has samples, give them a try. You can make shopping fun by playing a guessing game to see how many different vegetables you can find.
After you bring your vegetables home, there are many yummy ways to eat them. You can also mix them into sauces or soups. This is a tasty way to add new flavors to your meals, according to an article on the website kidseatincolor.com.
Here are some other tasty ideas. Dip celery into yogurt, ranch dressing, salsa, or guacamole for extra flavor. You can add vegetables to sandwiches for extra crunch.
Illustration by Navaeh, 2nd grade, MaST, 2025-26.
