Introducing new and healthy food is a part of the work of caring for children. Children’s experiences with food can be varied; for some children it is quite easy to try new things, but for others it can create anxiety. Taste tests are a great way to experience new foods in smaller portions, in hopes that they are not as overwhelming as a whole meal. 

This year, the Floyd County Cooperative Extension Office Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education Program partnered with Allen Elementary School to deliver nutrition education to youth. The participants were in the Head Start program. With them, the LEAP curriculum was administered. This particular curriculum uses story books and activities to teach youth about nutritious foods, healthy eating habits, hand washing, food safety, and being physically active. The LEAP curriculum is almost always coupled with a healthy taste tasting activity. This encourages youth to try new foods and/or to try foods that they didn’t think they liked before. 

On one particular occasion, after the youth were read their book, they were given a snack; apple slices. Thirty-eight of the thirty-nine head starters were all familiar with them and enjoyed them. However, there was one that surprised everyone around him. This particular child was on the Autism spectrum, and he was enjoying the apple slices. His teacher noticed him eating them and said “Wow, I am in awe that he is eating these right now! He’s on the spectrum, and so he is extremely sensitive to food textures. We could never get him to try apple slices before.” His aid reported “Just the fact that he even gave these a try is a big deal. Almost every day, he packs the same exact lunch: chicken nuggets. And even aside from that, we are very unsuccessful at getting him to try new foods. So this is awesome!”