WSU Extension's Food$ense Program

Too many times dinner becomes routine and brief. Dinner is a time to check in with kids, provide healthy food and set an example of how to we take care of ourselves. Watching tv at dinner, distracted by a smart phone or even working through dinner are examples of what not to do during dinner that are [...]

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Eggs are pretty perfect. They are inexpensive, delicious and nutritious and can be eaten on the go.  To celebrate egg month lets talk about some egg facts. About 280 million laying hens produce some 60 billion eggs each year in the United States. That’s roughly one hen for every man, women and child in the [...]

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Answer: vegetable. Though it is cooked in pies we actually eat the stalk  Rhubarb is in season which means it’s time to make all those yummy rhubarb desserts. Think about how you can turn your pie or crisp recipes into a healthy treat.  Your recipes can be altered. Substitute whole wheat flour for white flour [...]

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Asparagus … A Nutrient Powerhouse!   Spring is here and that means it’s time for my favorite tall, green and versatile veggie: asparagus! Asparagus is a nutrient powerhouse. One 5-ounce serving contains only 20 calories and provides an excellent source of vitamin A(important for eye, skin and immune health) and Vitamin K, which supports bone [...]

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  Celebrate Earth day this year by spending some time outside in the garden. Gardening benefits kids’ health and well-being as well as their attitudes towards learning and the environment. It captures their interest, gives them a sense of pride in their accomplishments, and introduces them to healthful foods. From helping you to mulch and [...]

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Kindergarten Snack #92: May 10, 2010, a photo by Wendy Copley on Flickr. Remind your self and your child about snacks by posting a list of easy to make snacks on the fridge. This can turn into a fun activity. Brainstorm with your child their favorite healthy snacks or new snacks you would like to [...]

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We could all use more vegetables in our diets. Lets take a tour of the produce aisle and find some new foods. First lets visit the greens. Most stores have a variety of greens that might not always make it into our usual shopping routine.  Learning to cook and eat leafy greens is essential for creating [...]

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Spring is so close. The days are getting longer and warmer. Plants are leafing out and it’s time to start thinking of gardening.  One of the easiest vegetables to grow is lettuce.  Lettuce might seem like a pretty boring vegetable, usually associated with salads.  However lettuce can be used in lots of different types of meals. [...]

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Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Pineapples      Salsa! Mix chopped pineapple, bell peppers, onion, jalapeno peppers, lemon juice, and cilantro to make fresh salsa. Serve over grilled chicken, burgers or seafood, or with tortilla chips. Recipe: Pineapple Salsa   Pineapple Popsicles. Stack fresh or canned pineapple chunks on kabobs for a kid-friendly snack.   Sweetened Fish. Top [...]

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Children enjoy helping in the kitchen and often are more likely to try foods that they helped prepare. One way to get children excited about meals is to allow them to pick out the recipe. The library has cookbooks covering all types of foods from around the world. Helping your child pick out recipes can [...]

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