With schools closing throughout the United States, there is a lot of information regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve gathered information from the experts along with great articles from our partners. We hope that you will find this information helpful to you and your family in the coming weeks. (Get the FREE Guide)

Spring is almost here. That hopefully means warmer weather and more sunshine is right around the corner. Sure, there will still be rainy days, but those perfect spring temperatures will make everything worth it. This spring, how can you focus your energy on healthy foods and spending time outdoors with your family? Celebrate the season by learning more about fresh foods, gardening, and going outside.

Eating Seasonally

In the program, we teach our girls that eating seasonally is healthier and more sustainable. When we eat foods that are out of season in our local growing cycles, those foods are transported over long distances which affects their overall freshness and increasing the negative environmental impact.

Instead, we encourage girls and their families to choose seasonal foods. These are foods that you can find at your local farmers’ markets or grocery stores, for example. If you want to know how and where to buy seasonal foods in your area, here is a great guide to get you started.

The Benefits of Local Foods

Along with the freshness and the low environmental impact, there are several benefits of eating fresh, local food.

For example, out of season strawberries are picked before they’re fully ripe so they can be transported greater distances. But studies show that strawberries, and other foods, that remain on the plant until they are fully ripened will have more nutritional benefits than those picked early and shipped.

Buying locally grown food also has a positive impact on the economy. You spend money in the community that stays in the community. And local farmers can tell you more about the fruits and vegetables they’re selling which educates you and your girls about what you’re consuming.

Gardening for Beginners

Of course, buying food from local growers isn’t the only way to get fresh food. In fact, you and your girls can be your own growers. Starting a family garden or participating in a community garden is a great way to learn more about where produce comes from and eat fresh, healthy, in-season food all year long. But how do you get started if you don’t know anything about gardening? We encourage you to find and work with a community garden program. But if that’s not available, here are some tips for starting a garden at your own home.

• Start small: if you only have a windowsill, start by growing herbs.
• Follow the sun: if you have a yard, pick the right location with the best sun exposure.
• Use containers: if you can’t plant in the ground where you live, you can use pots or other containers.
• Decide what to grow: you may want to start with vegetables that are easy to grow for beginners such as tomatoes.

Spending Time Outside

Building your garden is a great way to get outside with your girls and enjoy the new spring temperatures and sunshine. But it’s not the only way to get out and enjoy outdoor activities. Activity is just as important for your child’s healthy development as their food. Now that the temperatures are warmer and the sun is shining a little more, make time to go outside. It’s okay if you’re not into sports, there are plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor activities.

Start by taking a walk through your neighborhood or to a local park. Or you can get out your bikes and go for a ride. Play frisbee in your yard or fly a kite in an open area.

We hope you have an amazing spring filled with fresh foods and plenty of sunshine. What are your plans for a healthier spring this year?