Do you u-pick?
Posted on June 17th, 2011 in feeding baby, organic, seeds of change |
It’s the time of year when farmstands pop up and farms open their fields for pick-your-own visitors.
We thought we’d name some of our favorites reasons why u-pick is great for kids – and you!
It’s fun! First and foremost, it’s just so much fun for kids to hunt for the perfect strawberry or peach.
Yum. Is anything better than a blueberry right off the bush? Healthy eating is never as attractive as when you have a role in getting the food to your plate – or mouth. Ever notice that kids will eat more of what they pick or grow themselves?
It supports local agriculture. When you u-pick you support small, local farms. And kids may even get to meet the farmer.
It’s affordable. Pick your own is often more affordable than store-bought, especially when it’s organic.
It connects kids to the seasons. Judging by what you can buy in a supermarket, you can understand why kids might think that January is tomato season. U-pick helps them learn the rhythm of the seasons. And it reminds you when to look for the best-tasting and most affordable produce.
It can be more a more affordable way to buy organic. Look for organic farms, especially since your little ones will be running around in the fields. When you do find them, organic u-pick farms may be cheaper than store-bought organic.
It gets kids outside. Fresh air and sunshine is the best antidote to summer boredom and the best way to pull kids away from electronic media.
Kids may spot a tractor or two. Need we say more?
If you’re looking for a list of u-pick farms in your area, try this state-by-state directory.
Is u-pick a summer tradition for you? What’s your favorite thing to pick?
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