This post was sponsored by the National 4-H Council as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
I’m not sure how it is that I’m just now discovering salads in a jar, but wow! I had no idea how long a salad would stay fresh this way. A friend of mine just recently moved back into town, and together she and I have determined we are going to stay on track and eat healthy over the holidays. She’s the one who introduced my family to these magical salad jars.
For my regular readers, you already know that I talk a lot about my youngest son Isaac when I share recipes or cooking stories, because although he’s only 9 he wants to be a chef when he grows up. He’s always helpful in the kitchen and loves learning new skills that are age appropriate. Even more, he loves to serve the family, and his brothers and sister will (usually) always eat whatever he makes. Creating these fresh salads has been a lot of creative fun for him, and for the most part something he can do all on his own.
Creating traditions is easy to do this time of the year, and sharing meals together seems to be something special that everyone wants to do. I think there’s just something sweet and unique about gathering together and sharing a meal as a family, whether that’s immediate, extended, or family by heart. While you may not remember exactly what you ate together, you’ll inevitably remember the time spent together telling stories, laughing, and making memories.
So, if you’re the one serving the meal, you can definitely take time to prep a tasty and healthy meal that everyone will love. And when you do keep your meals and ingredients healthy, there’s always a little room for something sweet at the end of the evening.
Earlier this year, I shared about the National 4-H Council’s Food Smart Families program, and how I’ve been inspired by it to continue teaching Isaac and my other kiddos confidence in the kitchen (you can read about that in this post).
Truthfully, during the holidays it’s easy to feel charitable to others and become aware of situations around us that need help.
The 4-H Food Smart Families program has recognized that nearly 16 million children in the US don’t have consistent access to food throughout the year. That’s a lot of hungry little ones, perhaps some aspiring chefs like my Isaac who don’t even have food at home.
The program targets eligible families and teaches them how to plan, shop and prepare healthy meals on a budget. The good news is that UnitedHealthcare and 4-H have partnered together to deliver healthy living programs to more than 340,000 youth and their families in 14 states since 2011. The plan is to accomplish lasting change and more food secure homes through education, training, and community awareness.
By 2020, the goal of the 4-H Food Smart Families program is to be operating in at least 75% of the US with over 250,000 kids and 650,000 family members reached and taught valuable skills.
I truly believe that this goal can be accomplished! I feel that every child, every family should have the opportunity to make memories around the dinner table with loved ones, both during the holidays and year-round.
If you’d like more about the 4-H Food Smart Families program and how you can help, find them on the 4-H website as well as social media
Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * YouTube
