As the kids finish up school and become partners running daily errands, make patronizing your local farmer’s market  a staple of your family’s routine. Why? It's fun, interactive, and eductational! But how to do it? Here are some simple guidelines to help you make the most of your time.

Intros and Salutations

Upon arriving, introduce yourself to the families who host farm stands so your children learn to associate a name and face with their food. Children need to be taught  that food doesn’t just magically appear; there are people responsible for growing and harvesting each and every item. These people tend to pride themselves on using fewer pesticides and minimal packaging, making your purchase good for the local economy and the global community. Ask your kids to think of two or three questions to ask the people they are going to be meeting, especially if they are shy.

Teach Them to (Really) Taste

When picking out fruits and vegetables, talk to your kids about the importance of shopping in season.  Explain that while the supermarket may carry certain fruits and vegetables year round, the flavors and quality of in season fruit makes the selection worth waiting for. Drive this point home with a kid-friendly taste test.

Select ripe, in-season fruit at the farmer’s market and then purchase imported, out of season fruit from a supermarket chain. Blindfold children and ask them to describe the flavor, aroma and texture of the different fruits. Compare the difference and talk about the ecological and economical benefits of enjoying the earth’s bounty as it is intended. You may never have to purchase an imported piece of fruit again!

Try New Things!

Beyond delicious fruit and vegetable selections, opt to experiment with fresh herbs. Many people are reluctant to purchase a bunch of fresh herbs as recipes often only call for a small amount, leaving environmentally conscious consumers wary of over buying and wasting. But instead of tossing or composting the remainders or letting them go bad, you can easily add herbs to your next cookout. Kids love to nibble and smell different herbs; play an "ID the Herb" game with cilantro, sage, parsley and basil (you can even do this with foodie adults using different varieties of the same herb).

-Mint leaves can be picked apart, placed in ice trays (a great job for kids!), and then added to iced tea for an eye catching and aromatic addition.

-Sage and rosemary can be tossed into your barbeque or patio firepit to help naturally repel flies and mosquitoes.

-Parsley can be added to any dish as a garnish, chopped and sprinkled in salad or set as a bouquet in the center of the table to add a splash of green to your setting.

-It is also possible to freeze your summer herbs and revisit these potent flavors in the winter; meaning you can continue eating locally long after the market closes for the season!

As children learn firsthand that the Earth, not the supermarket, supplies our food (and how great it tastes!), they can better appreciate their responsibility to take care of it. School may be out, but the lessons of farming and food are ripe for the picking.

Helen Coronato is the author of several parenting books, including Eco-Friendly Families, a practical guide to going green with the kids (without going crazy!). Please visit www.helencoronato.com to learn more about her projects.

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