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Kid-Friendly Shopping Trip

Have kids with you? Whether a lickety-split or lengthy one, an enjoyable grocery shopping experience with children is possible. Try these kids-friendly shopping tips!

Before your store trip, talk to your kids about the healthy foods that you plan to buy.

With Kids Under 10

Let your kids locate a new, nutritious food. Do this each time you go shopping—or at least once a month. When you’re in the produce section, let kids do the picking. Have them choose a rainbow of fruits and veggies—red, orange, yellow and more. When kids get to choose, they’re more likely to eat their produce picks. Play “I Spy” for the food items you intend to buy. Start giving kids clues (“I spy something …”) to help them find the food. This helps kids feel they have a role in the family’s food choices. Decide on a number of healthy foods your child needs to select before picking a less nutritious item.

With Kids 10 and Older

Put your kids in charge of sticking to the shopping list—whether five items or 50. Have them cross foods off listed items as you toss them in the basket. Put kids in charge of coupons. Using a small calculator, have kids do some math. Have them compare unit-prices on two items to determine the best buy. Or, have them add up the prices as you stay within a budget. Have kids look at the food labels to compare how much sugar is in one item versus another. Or, in the cereal aisle, have them find a ready-to-eat cereal for the family that has 5 grams or more fiber in it.

NOTE: All information on the Healthy Children Healthy Futures website is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your health care provider.