Produce for Kids(R) and PBS KIDS(R) Partner for a Second Year with Nationwide School-Based Healthy Eating Campaign

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Produce for Kids(R) (PFK), an organization that promotes the benefits of healthy eating and supports worthy causes for children and PBS KIDS(R), which provides content, resources and tools that support the positive development of the whole child - the cognitive, emotional, social and physical, are partnering for a second year to raise awareness among kids, parents and teachers of the role fresh fruits and vegetables play in a healthy diet. As part of PBS KIDS' long term commitment to children's health, the partnership highlights the multi-faceted "Eat Smart for a Great Start" campaign, which focuses on school-based programs this fall and features a nationwide classroom contest; resources and tools for parents and educators; fun games and activities for kids; and a variety of regional events, celebrity appearances and in-school promotions. In-store promotions and local community events generated from the first year of the partnership will also continue throughout the coming year at even more participating grocery stores.

From September 4 through October 31, participating retailers and produce companies will make a monetary donation for every fresh produce item purchased during the campaign. Donated funds will support PBS' efforts to provide educational content, resources and outreach materials to families and educators that promote healthy behaviors among kids. Participating local PBS member stations will also raise awareness of the importance of eating fruits and vegetables through community events, character visits and other activities with participating grocery stores including Giant Food Stores, King Soopers, Meijer, Price Chopper and Publix Super Markets.

Highlighting the need for a concerted educational campaign that promotes healthy eating, a Produce for Kids national study released in May 2008 revealed that only 18 percent of America's children are eating the recommended three or more daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, and 43 percent of kids have one or less daily serving of fresh produce.

"Our fall campaign will make healthy eating a central topic of discussion and learning in classrooms and communities nationwide," said John Shuman, president of Produce for Kids. "Together, PFK, PBS KIDS and our sponsors are delivering engaging, interactive ways for kids to learn healthy eating habits that last a lifetime."

"Encouraging families to eat right and be active is not just a one-time message and PBS KIDS is committed to helping families explore what it means to lead healthy lifestyles," said Loren Mayor, VP Corporate Partnerships, PBS. "As a longtime advocate of supporting a child's total well-being - cognitive, social, emotional and physical - PBS KIDS is thrilled to extend this partnership with Produce for Kids to encourage more nutritional food choices as one of the key ingredients to fostering a healthier generation."

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

Start Kids Cooking In The Garden

(NAPSI)-One way to increase kids’ interest in healthy eating is to start them growing nutritious foods in a garden.

Planting and growing vegetables, fruits and legumes, then using the fresh produce to create healthier meals, is a great way for families to spend fun, quality time together.

Mollie Katzen, author of Moosewood Cookbook, which was inducted into the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Hall of Fame in 2007, has a few ideas parents can use to weave more nutritious foods like USA-grown peanuts and peanut butter into their kids’ diet. Kids love to eat most any food when it’s paired with peanut butter.

• Get kids off the couch and into a garden. Kids are more likely to eat fresh produce--fruits, vegetables and nuts--that they grow themselves.

• If you can’t grow your own garden, take children to a farmer’s market so they can meet the farmers and learn more about where food comes from.

• Grind your own peanut butter by putting peanuts and some peanut or vegetable oil in the blender. Augment it with fresh produce like apples and carrots. Or make a peanut dipping sauce for veggies like green beans and broccoli as a snack or appetizer. Or make a peanut butter smoothie with yogurt and honey. All these recipes provide much- needed nutrients for children and adults.

• Peanuts and peanut butter contribute more than 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients and can be part of a varied, balanced diet that promotes good health.

For more recipes, visit www.nationalpeanutboard.org.

Broccoli Dipped in Wonderful Peanut Sauce

1 bunch broccoli (1½ pounds)

1 cup smooth peanut butter

1 cup hot water

2 to 3 tablespoons soy or tamari sauce

3 to 4 tablespoons sugar or light-colored honey

1½ teaspoons minced or crushed garlic

2 teaspoons cider vinegar

3 to 4 tablespoons finely minced cilantro

Salt and cayenne

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Trim and discard the tough stem end of the broccoli and slice the rest lengthwise into 6 to 8 hefty spears.

2. Lower the heat to a simmer and plunge in the broccoli for 2 minutes if you like your vegetables al dente, and for 3 minutes if you like them tender.

3. Drain in a colander and run the broccoli under cold running water. Drain thoroughly, then dry the broccoli by shaking it briskly and then patting it with paper towels. Seal in a zip-style plastic bag and store until use.

4. Place the peanut butter in a bowl. Add the hot water, and mash and stir patiently with a spoon or a small whisk until uniformly blended.

5. Stir in the remaining ingredients, adding salt and cayenne to taste, and mix well. Serve right away, surrounded by steamed broccoli of any temperature. (You can also cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Let the sauce come to room temperature before serving.)

Yield: 4 to 5 servings

Recipe from The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without by Mollie Katzen (Hyperion; 2007).