From NPR: Grocers Lead Kids To Produce Aisle With Junk Food-Style Marketing

We all know that junk food manufacturers target kids directly with marketing- loud colors, silly characters, fun slogans- but what if healthy foods used those same tactics? Do you think your kids would eat more baby carrots after watching this video? (Click the image to watch!)

While my initial reaction is that we shouldn’t have to dress up fruits and vegetables for kids to enjoy them, I have to admit that we are facing some strong competition. Kids are growing up with sugar, salt, and fat laden foods, and they acquire a taste for them that can be tough to break. I’ve found that a little bit of homemade ranch dressing might be the way to get kids to eat their carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and broccoli florets.

This year, one of our focuses is marketing our lunches to kids. We are giving our dishes fun new names like “Go Fish Breaded Cod” or “Ninja Bowl Beef and Broccoli” and highlighting a “kids! CULTURE DAY” each month. As we continue to improve our program, look for more changes and ways that you and your kids can be involved!