The Sprouts-Get Out and Grow program teaches kids the connection between gardening and eating fresh foods.
QUINCY, ILL. -- Hy-Vee has a way to get your kids to eat more vegetables.
The Sprouts-Get Out and Grow program teaches kids the connection between gardening and eating fresh foods.
The program started back in 2011, but the idea for it originally sprouted years before. It was the brain child of an Austin, Texas Hy-Vee dietician Jen Haugen. Haugen came up with the idea in 2008 but her dream of connecting kids with locally grown produce didn't come true for another three years.
In 2011, the Sprouts-Get Out and Grow garden program officially began with the help of a generous grant from the Statewide Health Improvement Program.
After that, Sprouts gardens started popping up everywhere. Quincy's local Sprouts garden is just off 36th and Broadway. It was planted by local kids from Liberty, with the help pf the Liberty Agriculture Department. There's peppers, tomatoes, and leafy greens. Once all of the vegetables are grown in, kids will learn how to cook with them.
The main goals of the program are:
Children making healthier choices through increased fruit and veggie intake.
Teaching the connection of fresh foods and good health.
Teaching preparation of healthier meals.
Reinforcing positive perceptions of healthy food.
This Sprouts season is almost over, but that doesn't mean you can't incorporate fresh foods into your kid's diets. Farmers Markets are still open through October and you can always grow vegetables inside through the winter.
So now it's time for you to get out there and get your green thumb.
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