A San Diego organization on Wednesday hosted a healthy food event in La Mesa with the hopes of expanding young palates and encouraging parents to give their children quality food.
Parents and children attended a First 5 San Diego event where they watched a demonstration on how to make vegetables with hummus wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.
Kimberly Gallo, executive director of First 5, said families are searching for ways to make healthy food quickly.
“Parents are hungry for resources to help raise a healthy child,” Gallo said. “First 5 San Diego is happy to reach out to the community and provide these valuable resources in many different in many different ways.”
The organization advocates for children from birth to age five, with services ranging from immunization to preschool to nutrition. Gallo said the sooner children start eating healthy food, the better.
“Introducing healthy food choices at an early age is going to help them in the long run,” said Gallo.
Last year, First 5 San Diego sponsored or participated in community events that helped more than 140,000 families.
First 5 has five tips for promoting healthy family dining habits:
- Have regular family meals. When families dine together, not only do they spend time together, but appetites are also enhanced.
- Cook at home. Preparing food in the home teaches children how important food is, and home-cooked food usually has less salt and fat than restaurant food.
- Get the kids involved with shopping and cooking. It is a great opportunity to teach them about nutrition and how to read labels.
- Snack on healthy foods. Having fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy drinks like milk and water easily at hand will help children get used to snacking smart. They’ll even grow to like health options.
- Limit portion size. If your child says they are full, don’t make them “clean their plates”. Food should never be a reward or bribe.
