Perfect Plate

On Sunday, August 31, the Bronx Park East Farmers Market buzzed with creativity as children joined our Kids Club activity to design their own “perfect plate” using the week’s starring veggies. Kids explored the fun side of nutrition with colorful produce like bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, okra, and corn. They learned about balance, healthy choices, and how to make each veggie at home. Hands-on activities made healthy eating exciting for the whole family.

Materials Needed:

• Base Foods: whole grain crackers or mini pita rounds
  
• Fruits and Veggies: apple slices, cucumber rounds, baby carrots, cherry
  tomatoes, bell pepper strips, berries
  
• Protein Options: hummus, cheese cubes
  
• Extras: pretzel sticks, dried herbs?
  
• Supplies: napkins, plates, plastic knives (staff), gloves

Instructions:

• Divide into teams of 2-4 kids. Each team gets a tray of base foods and toppings.
• Set the rules: Create a healthy snack plate in 10-15 minutes
  
• Use at least two food groups (grain/protein/fruit/veg)
  
• Presentation counts! (colorful, creative, themed)

Teams will build their snacks while facilitators encourage creative and safe food handling. Each team will then be able to present their plate and explain what is in it and why it is healthy. Everyone can try their own plate and vote on the most colorful, creative, and healthiest one. Applaud all teams!