Pack Fruits and Veggies into this New School Year with Good Food Bucks!

It’s that time of year again — summer break has ended and back-to-school season is here! This means new schedules, new classes, new friends, and more! While going back to school can be an exciting time for your child, it can mean new expenses and challenges for you as a parent or guardian. A large expense to account for during the school year is food whether that is for snacks, or school lunch. Programs like Good Food Bucks allow you to get more for less allowing you to save more money on groceries. 

The Beth Greenhouse Farmers Market at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center Photo Credit: Chase Barnes

Using the Good Food Bucks program means you can get double the fruits and vegetables for half the price at participating farmers markets and grocery stores across NJ. At these participating locations you will either receive a 50% discount off your purchase of fresh produce or Good Food Bucks coupons. There are over 120+ Good Food Bucks locations across NJ where you can receive double the amount of fruits and vegetables. Good Food Bucks locations. Using Good Food Bucks to maximize the amount of fruits and vegetables you can buy means you can include more fruits and vegetables in your child's diet. Packing fruits and vegetables in your child’s lunch or snack will help give them all of the healthy vitamins and minerals they need to learn and grow! 

We understand that making fruits and vegetables exciting for your child can sometimes be difficult.

Here are a few tips on how to get your child excited about eating fresh produce! 

1. Get them involved in choosing the fruits and vegetables at the farmers market or store!

   1. Involving your child in selecting what fruits and vegetables can get them excited about trying a new food. Farmers Markets sell so many different types of fruits and vegetables. Some even you may not have heard of. This can be a chance for you both to learn, and try new things. Having your child choose some of the produce can get them excited about eating it later. Same with at the store, it’s always a fun adventure shopping for food!

2. Get them involved with packing the lunch or snack!

   1. If your child receives lunch, include a snack of fresh fruits or vegetables in their backpack. A bag of sliced apples, carrots, pears, or cranberries can be a great addition to their diet during the school day. If your child brings lunch to school, including any of these fruits or vegetables is a good option as well. 

3. Cook a new meal with your child using fresh fruits or vegetables you purchased at the market!

   1. Including your child in meal preparation can be a great learning experience for them. Cooking together can be a chance to slow down and debrief your child's day. At the same time you can teach them cooking skills and get them excited about the new fruit or vegetable you’ll be eating! So many amazing memories are made in the kitchen learning, bonding and having fun!

      1. Here is a recipe for roasted fall vegetables that you and your family can try; https://www.31daily.com/roasted-fall-vegetables/

   2. At some farmers markets the market managers table will have recipe cards that you can take home with you. These recipes typically incorporate a seasonal fruit or vegetable sold at the market! 

Healthy Food is essential for a successful school year, and we hope this guide helps you add plenty of fruits and vegetables to your child’s diet this Fall!