Countdown to Kids in the Kitchen

Jayme Allen, Provisional Member

The other day I asked my 5-year-old daughter what kind of fruit she wanted with her lunch. Her reply was “ I want strawberries! Fruit and vegetables make you strong! Right Mommy?” As any parent knows, there are many days when you feel like everything you try and teach your child goes in one ear and out the other. And then finally, they say something and you realize they really are listening! We only have so many years to help shape our children’s eating habits and help them understand the importance of living a healthy life. Soon my daughter will be making her own food choices and the days of cutting strawberries to pack in her lunch will be long gone. For the most part, today’s children will grow up knowing what foods are healthy, what foods Mom won’t buy at the store and will even understand that exercise is a way of life.

However, what seems like an everyday scenario for my family or yours isn’t necessarily the same for many other families in our community. Many children come from different cultures or a socioeconomic status that doesn’t allow them the information or resources to make those same healthy choices. And it’s no surprise that processed foods high in sugar and empty calories are often cheaper than the healthier alternatives. That’s why the Junior League’s Kid’s in the Kitchen event is so important in helping to make a difference in our community. This event brings together the students and families of the 49’ers Academy in East Palo Alto and shows them how healthy eating can be fun and accessible.

The Provisional Class invites you to join us for Kids in the Kitchen on Wednesday, April 25th, 2:00 – 6:00pm at the 49ers Academy, 2695 Fordham Street, East Palo Alto. The day will include lessons and demonstrations on healthy cooking and the importance of physical fitness. Can’t make it? Consider making a kid-friendly donation to help promote an active and healthy lifestyle (ex. kid friendly kitchen utensils, baseball gloves, footballs, jump ropes, bike helmets etc.)

This will be my first KITK event and I’m looking forward to seeing what a powerful organization the Junior League can be in helping to better our community. And you never know… maybe I’ll come home with new snack ideas to try out on my kids!