God's garden gifts: fun ways to introduce your children to heaven's healthy bounty.

For many kids the category "fruits and vegetables" may include a handful of strawberry candies and a big bag of corn chips. Orange is an ice-cream flavor, and their favorite bean probably has the word "jelly" in front of it. It's enough to send parents in search of comfort foods.

Take heart. There's hope. With a bit of thoughtful planning you can teach your children and grandchildren about God's ideal when it comes to produce. You can demonstrate His creative activity in the world and extend that vision right into your home. In the process you'll instill healthful habits and an attitude of gratitude that will stick with your young ones throughout their lives.

Consider these five tips for introducing your children to God's fruit and vegetable garden. Adapt these general guidelines according to age and circumstances. By the way, imagination and inventiveness are also gifts of God. Use them liberally.

TIP 1--Use the Web. Snack-food advertisers target children. How? They create animated characters and catchy jingles to make their products appealing and memorable. Simple, health-building produce looks rather boring to a child by comparison.

One way to counteract this is to use the Internet. Several Web sites feature animated produce characters that teach children proper nutrition in a creative, enjoyable way (see sidebar). As you and your kids surf together, you introduce them to new foods, gather fresh ideas for incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your family's diet, and uncover delicious recipes. As you explore these sites, remind your young co-adventurers that God has given us produce specifically to help our bodies grow strong, fight disease, and stay fit.

TIP 2--Grow your own. The best way to learn about God's creative activity is to partner with Him. Perhaps the simplest project is sprouts (check out "Taste and See" in the January/February 2005 issue). You can sprout almost any bean or seed, although alfalfa and mung are the most familiar. Sprouts grow quickly, provide crunchy nutrition, and require minimal equipment--making this project ideal for young children and limited spaces.

Every child loves to play in the dirt. If you have a yard, consider planting a vegetable garden. Or join with your neighbors and create a community garden. Children are more likely to eat what they've planted and harvested.

TIP 3--Pick your own. If you can't plant your own, you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from a local farm. Produce farms often offer a "u-pick" option, providing fun and education for children as well as adults. Don't live near such a farm? Consider visiting one as a day trip or vacation stop. Use the Internet or call your county Cooperative Extension Service for information.

Picking your own strawberries or apples, for example, offers an opportunity to reconnect with nature and the seasons. Most farmers will happily answer questions. They'll explain to your children how their crops depend on weather conditions, the forces of nature, and ultimately, divine providence.

TIP 4--Explore new produce. Let your children take turns as "Explorer of the Week." On notebook paper write the explorer's name and the date. If possible, have older children help the younger ones with the rest of this adventure.

The explorer begins by selecting a new fruit and a new vegetable. He/she records the name of each and a description, including color, smell, feel, and so on. Older children might add the nutritional benefits of each food. Later the explorer will log how the food was prepared, when the food was served, and the reactions of each family member. You might post the results of these adventures on the refrigerator. Create a rotating list to aid in planning your meals and grocery lists.

TIP 5--Model healthy habits. Children learn what they live. If they see their parents and older siblings enjoying the bounty of God's garden, they'll be more likely to follow their example. Eating habits develop early and carry throughout lives. (Compare your eating habits now with the foods you ate as a child.) Establish the habit of good nutrition and a spirit of adventure to try new foods. Be sure to show your appreciation to God for His powerful gift of produce. Your family will enjoy good health for generations to come.

RELATED ARTICLE: Kid-friendly: web sites about produce.

5 a Day the Color Way

(www.5aday.com)--This site contains sections for consumers, educators, and children. Created by the Produce for Better Health Foundation, the theme of a colorful diet permeates these pages. The Kids section features activity sheets, coloring pages, recipe tips, and links to other child-centered sites.

Dole 5 a Day

(www.dole5aday.com)--Created by the Dole Food Company, these pages are packed with facts and fun for all ages. The Reference Center features information for fifth graders through high school and adults.

National Watermelon Promotion Board

(www.watermelon.org)--Quizzes, puppets, science lessons, and coloring books populate this fun site. Here you'll also find watermelon recipes and carving ideas.

Web Sites on GROWING SPROUTS

www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/horticulture/g886.htm

www.handypantry.com/grow.htm

www.isga-sprouts.org/index.html

D. M. Flynn is a classical musician and a freelance writer who served for more than 20 years as a liturgist, church musician, and music educator.