National Eat Your Vegetables Day

When it comes to food holidays, kids may not be too fond of this one. Go grab your forks, kiddies. June 17 is (National) Eat Your Vegetables Day!

While the origins of this annual food holiday are unknown, chances are good the day was created by a vegetable gardener, farmer or fed-up parent! With the summer season in full swing, what could be better than eating a fresh veggie right about now?

Besides being low in calories, fresh vegetables are loaded with all sorts of essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. A healthy lifestyle that includes eating fresh fruit and veggies helps protect against infections, diseases and cancers and helps maintain normal blood pressure, healthy gums, eyes and skin, among other benefits.

If you don’t happen to have your own vegetable garden, why not stop by your local Farmer’s Market? You’ll not only get fresh produce, but will be helping the local economy as well. Whether you prefer crunchy carrots, peppers, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, juicy tomatoes or fresh corn-on-the-cob, now’s the time to start planning some fabulous recipe ideas that even the finickiest kids will love!