Making food fun for kids
Much has been said about the food consumption habits of children over the past few months. I believe strongly that there should not be ‘exclusive foods’ to pamper children. I survived my childhood years without ever meeting a chicken nugget or turkey twizzler. I was offered what the rest of the family consumed and if I chose not to eat the meal on offer there was no alternative forthcoming.
Of course there are foods that generally do not appeal to youngsters. I hated mushrooms, blue cheese and olives but now adore these items. So what part can food developers play in improving the eating habits and understanding of food preparation of children in the UK?
Mini well-packaged versions of traditional foods should be developed and marketed for children. More family pack sizes should be marketed, encouraging families to consume the same foods around the table together. Few children will readily consume vegetables with relish so ‘hiding’ vegetables in sauces etc can be a useful ploy.
I am appalled that many people are unable to cook and rely solely upon ready meals. Whilst this has kept me employed for over 20 years, I am passionate about cooking & feel we must make an effort to encourage and introduce young people to cooking. If the government won’t make cooking part of the school curriculum, it is up to the food industry to play its part.
How do we encourage children to learn about food preparation and make it enjoyable? It is vital that we teach children that cooking is fun. Supercook has done a fantastic job with their biscuit, cake and muffin kits to encourage children to play an active roll and have fun preparing foods. There is nothing wrong with these treat items as part of a balanced diet.
There is great opportunity for manufacturers of savoury foods to be inspired by what Supercook have done.
The challenge to the industry is to take such a concept and develop a range of fun, easy to prepare, nutritionally balanced cooking kits that introduce children to the joys of cooking.
Celia Wright, Cheftech.
