Empowering Kids through Food Education with Brooke Jorden

Helping Families Be Happy

On this episode of the "Helping Families be Happy Podcast," host, Christopher Robbins husband and father of nine, residing in the Central Valley of California talks to Brooke Jordan, who is introduced as having a BA in English and editing from Brigham Young University.

She has 10 years of experience in the publishing industry and currently serves as the editorial director at Familius. Brooke Jordan is also a prolific author with over 20 books to her credit, including the "Lit for Little Hand" series, "I Dig Bathtime," and "How Does Our Food Grow." She has worked in collaboration with the United Nations Organization Kitchen Connection. Additionally, she is an award-winning editor and book designer.

This episode promises to be an insightful discussion about instilling healthy food habits in children and understanding the broader implications of food choices on individuals and the environment.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:05: Christopher Robbins and Brooke Jordan explore the topic of where our food comes from and how to help children understand and appreciate the journey from farm to plate.
• 01:39: Brooke Jordan is the author of the book "How Does Our Food Grow?" The book delves into various angles of exploring how food is produced and its connection to fitness and health.
• 02:58: Brooke explains the natural collaboration between her book, "How Does Our Food Grow?" and Kitchen Connection, which is a part of the United Nations.
• 04:32: The podcast episode discusses the importance of exposing children to a wide variety of flavors early on to reduce picky eating tendencies as they grow.
• 04:58: Christopher Robbins, shares his experience of moving from Utah to California and being surprised that oranges can be picked directly from trees.
• 05:56: Brooke shares an anecdote about the surprise of picking oranges from trees in California and highlights how such experiences can spark curiosity in children.
• 07:02: Brooke Jordan emphasizes the importance of teaching children about the global food system and how various foods are transported from different regions to provide the diversity of options people love.
• 08:50: Brooke highlights the interactive and experiential approach of teaching children about food origins, encouraging them to become curious and informed about the sources of the food they consume.
• 10:50: Brooke Jordan explains her parenting philosophy of not categorizing foods as "good" or "bad" but focusing on the impact of different foods on the body. Instead of labeling foods as healthy or unhealthy, she emphasizes teaching children what each food does in their bodies.
• 12:00: By teaching children about the specific benefits of various foods, Brooke aims to empower them to make informed choices without feeling guilty about occasional indulgences.
• 13:55: Brooke points out that beans when paired with rice, create a complete protein, which has significant implications for addressing global hunger problems.
• 15:04: Brooke discusses the importance of choosing a more plant-based diet, even if not fully vegetarian, as it requires less water compared to livestock farming.
• 16:05: Brooke emphasizes the importance of approaching environmental issues and food choices with children in a positive and empowering manner.

3 Key Highlights

1. This episode provides valuable insights into fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of agriculture and the sources of our food.
2. Brooke talks about the significance of exploring different foods and fostering an appreciation for the global food system and the diverse ways in which food is grown and transported.
3. Brooke explains the critical role of legumes and plant-based foods in sustainable agriculture and the significant impact these food choices can have on our planet's well-being.

Tweetable Quotes

• “Certain fruits and vegetables can be picked directly from trees, such as apples and oranges. However, other foods involve consuming different parts of the plant, which may not be immediately visible. For instance, broccoli and cauliflower are eaten for their flowers and potatoes and sweet potatoes are grown underground.” – Brooke
• “Various foods require different conditions to thrive. Some foods need more water, others more sunlight, and some require more energy overall to cultivate. These nuances provide an opportunity for engaging conversations with children, starting with the basic understanding of how certain fruits and vegetables grow and building upon that knowledge to explore their specific requirements for growth.” – Brooke
• “By understanding the impact of different foods on their bodies, children can make well-informed decisions and develop a healthier approach to eating.” - Brooke

Resources Mentioned

• Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
• Podcast Editing