3 Easy ways to bring the farm to your city kid’s table (wherever you live)

Kids benefit in so many ways from growing food, interacting with nature and learning firsthand how to nurture life.

So we teamed up with #GenStem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) kids to make pizza from local tomatoes and took to the farms of Brooklyn to get in touch with nature. We worked on sustainability in a real way and had messy, non-digital fun (yes, it’s possible for this generation of Digital Natives) with their nimble digits. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why parents want to share this activity (and pizza recipe from WellnessInTheSchools.org). But cities are often too cramped to practice. Right? Wrong! Here are three easy ways to stay in the green.

1. Greenmarket shopping

Shop at your neighborhood farmer’s market to get fresh, seasonal produce. This is a great way to introduce your child to seasonal local produce. Additionally, they can get a hands-on appreciation for how ripe vegetables and fruit feel. National markets can be found easily.

2. Create a school garden

Many schools have the space for a selective garden, but have never considered how they can use it for a garden. A great resource is KidsGardening.org.

3. Plant herbs indoors

Easy and readily used, fresh-picked rosemary, mint and parsley bring joy to your young farmer. Want to try something new? Grow an indoor spice garden. Spices are parts of the plant that are not leafy. Think roots, stems, bulbs, bark or seeds. They may also have medicinal aspects, so this is a double treat. Both herb and spice growing tips can be found at Greenchildmagazine.com