Anita Gaberšček, Osnovna šola Danila Lokarja Ajdovščina, Ajdovščina
A very important role in shaping childrens eating habits have the parents and everyone else partaking in their healthy development. When we were discussing in class the meaning of fruits and vegetables, a real debate arose among the first years. Defenders of consuming fruits and vegetables woke interest even in those children who dislike vegetables. Readiness of children to verify the claims of those who like vegetables, a lecture on their importance was given also by a nurse, brought us all to a challenge to prepare a savoury vegetarian lunch. Because one of our more stressed points was the importance of seasonal vegetables and fruits, with emphasis on the locally grown produce, which tastes better due to proper ripeness and also contains more vitamins and nutritional substances, we decided that children should ask at home their parents, if they were willing to help us. Parents responses were most positive, for they invited us to their gardens and offered help with cooking. Children checked at home what grows on their gardens and which vegetables could they use for preparing a meal. Based on their experiences, searching on the internet and with the advice of the parents we chose the appropriate recipes. Following that was the acquiring of the necessary ingredients. Together we went into the gardens. With the assistance of the parents they dug out the potatoes themselves, and picked the needed vegetables and fruits. In their pantries they looked for foods that are not yet available fresh this year. In the shop we bought the rest of the missing ingredients. In the school they prepared the lunch under their mothers supervision. All the while they also kept clean working environment. During the preparation we discussed that it is every childs right to not like something. But it is wise to first try the thing before deciding that you dislike it. When setting the table we emphasized that a good presentation of the table and meals also contributes to the enjoyment of food. We also talked about table manners. During the lunch the atmosphere was relaxed and filled with pride over the performed work. The prepared food was to everyones taste, even to those who were more reserved towards vegetables.
