Start the school year with
PCC Healthy Kids
by Lydia Cox
This article was originally published in September 2011
We’re making it easier for kids to eat healthy by introducing them to fresh, nutritious foods that taste great.
At PCC we’re committed to helping parents and schools provide healthier meal options for children. Our PCC Healthy Kids initiative is designed to teach healthy habits and improve the diets of local kids through our PCC Kid Picks program, family nutrition classes and other events held throughout the year.
We’ve teamed up with Seattle-area schools and increased the number of Kid Picks taste-testing events held at elementary schools, with a greater emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and dairy. A product-sampling program, PCC Kid Picks allows kids to discover for themselves that natural and organic foods taste great. Participants taste-test foods and those items that are approved by at least two-thirds of the kid “judges” are flagged in PCC stores with a bright orange tag bearing the Kid Picks logo. This makes the Kid Picks label a reliable indicator that kids are likely to enjoy that particular food or product, making it easier and more affordable for parents to find healthier choices their children will like. There are more than 1,700 kid-approved products in our stores.
During the 2010-2011 school year, we also held Market Nights at lower-income schools. A farmers market was set up, and students and their families were given the chance to explore a variety of fresh produce and “purchase” their favorites. Market Nights will return for the 2011-2012 school year.
In addition to our Kid Picks program, our new, free “Fresh! Family Nutrition” classes led by PCC Nutrition Educator Leika Suzumura are designed to guide families toward healthy living. Leika demonstrates hands-on, kid-friendly cooking activities, helps troubleshoot picky eaters, and provides tips for making wholesome foods an easy choice for families. View the schedule of upcoming classes »
It’s a brand new school year — join us as we work toward raising a new generation of healthy kids who recognize that healthy, seasonal eating is fun!