Walking through a farmer’s market, I’m captivated by what I see.  Mothers (and fathers!) push carriages, and hold toddlers’ hands, as they walk between a kaleidoscope of fruits and vegetables.   I watch as the children munch on bananas, watermelon and mangos. “This is how it should be,” I think. Making healthy foods the first choice, the easy choice for children, should be as easy as 1, 2, 3.

And, it can be. 

During children’s formative years, consistency is key. At this time childrens’ palate, as well as food memories and preference, are being established. According to a study published in the Appetite journal, by Dr. T. Bettina Cornwell from the University of Oregon, taste preference plays a key role in the obesity epidemic; as a result, addressing the development of palate and the preference for foods must begin at an early age.

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Currently before the USDA is a proposal by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The proposal asks for greater variety of fruits and vegetables, more whole grains, fewer fried foods, and more in their nutrition standards.  This would ensure foods served to children in daycares, and snacks provided to youths participating in eligible after school programs, are consistent with the healthy meal choices we provide at home!

"If taste preference is playing a role in the obesity epidemic, how can we identfy a starting point for change? ... It seems that we must begin by addressing the development of palate and the preference for particular food and thus, we must start with young children."

~Dr. T. Bettina Cornwell, University of Oregon

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updates the Child and Adult Care Food Program, please join me in asking them to make sure that foods and beverages served to our youngest children are healthy.

Unhealthy foods, and sugar sweetened drinks, affect our children’s taste, memory and learning. Teaching and modeling healthy eating to preschoolers sets young children on a path of success. The updates would ensure the foods and beverages provided in child care facilities across the country are good for kids. Aren’t our children worth that?

Join me and support the updates to meals and snacks for our littlest learners. Just hurry, the comment period ends on April 15, 2015.