It is that time of year again, time to say goodbye to the pool days and hello to school days! Which means it is time to get back into a routine. No more dinners at 9pm. Gone are the mornings for sleeping in (and wouldn’t ya know I just got my kiddos accustomed to the idea, only took practically all summer break, ha-ha). And time to start the school year off right, on a healthy note! Nutrition is important at home and in the classroom. Which is why I am excited to share that Produce for Kids is teaming up with Meijer stores for the second annual Healthy Families, Helping Kids campaign to raise money for local health and nutrition-based classroom projects through DonorsChoose.org. Last year, the campaign raised more than $169,000 and supported 652 classroom projects throughout the country.
Beginning Sept. 2 to Sept. 28, the joint campaign will help raise money for classroom projects that encourage healthy relationships with food. The more produce Meijer shoppers add to their shopping lists, the more hope they can give to local children. All participating fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers at Meijer stores will make a consumption-based donation DonorsChoose.org.
Parents, be on the lookout for Produce for Kids signage, featuring characters from the popular Sprout® television show, The Chica Show, in the produce section of your local Meijer store. There, you will find Ideal Meals recipes, tips and solutions to help you keep your family healthy for back-to-school and year-round.
I have to warn you, all the recipes are amazing! I let each of my kiddos pick out two to make with mom during our kids in the kitchen sessions together. Having your children help select the produce from the store, clean it, and prepare a meal really fosters the learning process.
3 out of 3 of my kiddos gave these recipe 5 stars (or moons, said the 3-year-old, lol!) thus; it only seems appropriate to share…..
Blueberry Banana Pancakes
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 Tbsp. sugar
½ tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. salt
1 cup fat free milk
3 Tbsp. canola oil
1 egg
1 banana, sliced
½ cup blueberries
2 tsp. caramel dip (optional)
1 Tbsp. pecans, finely chopped (optional)
Directions:
1.Sift flours, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon and salt in large bowl. Add milk, oil and egg, and mix until moistened.
2.Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat; spray with cooking spray. Spoon ¼ cup pancake mixture onto skillet. Add sliced bananas and blueberries, and cook 2-3 minutes, or until pancakes begin to bubble. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes, or until done.
3.Top with pecans and drizzle with caramel dip. (optional)
For more great recipes like this one be sure to check out Produce for Kids website…also has great after school snack ideas!
Disclosure…
Produce for Kids put together a goody bag filled with great ways for me to further extend the message. My kiddos have taken the lunch bag and sandwich bag to school which had a few children inquiring about Produce for Kids. And I have been sporting the travel cup all over town. But I felt a little bummed that I couldn’t send one to my loyal readers. So I am doing what I constantly tell my children to do…
I simply have to share! But the campaign only goes till the 28th so this will be a flash giveaway! I am giving away one $25 Meijer’s gift card!!
To enter simply complete the following….
- Like Mom on the go in Holy Toledo Facebook page
- Follow @mamaof3onthego on twitter
- Like Produce for Kids Facebook page
- Follow @produceforkids on twitter
- Post a comment expressing you have completed the steps above and state what is your favorite fruit or vegetable.
Winner will be randomly selected Sept. 23rd @ 11:59pm
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 