Parents often struggle to convince a child to try a new food.  As many as 30 to 50 percent of parents say their kids are picky eaters. Getting children to try new foods is a common parenting challenge and a normal part of child development. (PBS.org/parents/thrive/9-tips-to-help-kids-try-new-foods)

After a short program year following Covid restrictions, the Nutrition Education Program Assistant was able to establish a full schedule of classes at Taylor County Primary for Literacy, Eating, and Activity for Primary (LEAP) curriculum. Students heard a story relating to an area of wellness such as hand washing, taking care of teeth, and eating a variety of foods and participated in a game or activity related to that book. A food tasting was made available to children following the activity with an invitation to give food a "Hello Bite", smell, lick, and taste the food. It was rare for any child to not at least smell and lick the food, even if they had an initial negative reaction to the food. One particular breakthrough came with a 1st grade student who had a number of sensory issues, according to his teacher. During the last session, while being encouraged by the teacher, he tasted a carrot with raspberry dressing. The teacher expressed excitement as he rarely would try anything new. 

94 children completed entry and exit surveys, and 83% improved their abilities to choose food according to federal dietary guidelines. 91% (86 of 94) children in grades K-2 improved in one or more core area.