Most children under seven don’t know their vegetables
Almost one third of children involved in a research study did not recognise a red pepper while 85% could not name a leek. Most knew what to call broccoli yet only one in three knew what chips were made from.
The research was carried out by the Ben’s Beginners programme, set up to encourage parents to involve children in meal preparation.
Only 14% of children help with the evening meal, it emerged, with parents citing time pressure as the main reason for making the dinner themselves. Given the chance, however, 79% of children would like to cook more.
Former rugby great Ronan O’Gara is supporting the Ben’s Beginners initiative, supporting the concept of the importance of cooking healthy meals for children. O’Gara has teamed up with television chef Phelim Byrne to create a number of recipes to get families cooking together.
Phelim suggested parents get their children some kitchen clothes such as mini chef hats and aprons to add some fun to the experience.
As part of the project, Uncle Ben’s has launched a cooking competition.
- For more information, go to facebook.com/UncleBensIreland or tweet to @bensbeginnersie.
