Parent Letter for Lesson 3 All Grades

Kentucky Nutrition Education Program [Insert County Name] [Insert Street Address] [Insert City, State & Zip Code]

[insert date]

Dear Parents or Primary Caregivers,

This week Professor Popcorn explored more of MyPlate with your child. Ask him (or her) what he learned about the food groups.

Many parents want to make healthy meals for their families but just don’t have the time. About 75 percent of consumers say that lack of time is the biggest barrier to preparing meals. Here are some tips for quick and easy meals.

 Use shortcuts. For example, use: Canned vegetables or fruits in place of fresh to cut cooking and preparation time. Cream soups to make a quick sauce for casseroles. Bags of salad greens and precut vegetables for salads.  Keep quick and easy favorites such as canned spaghetti sauce, pasta, canned tuna, frozen vegetables, canned fruit, and eggs in your kitchen for last-minute meals.  Plan for leftovers. You can get two (or more) meals in the time it takes to make one! Be sure to freeze or refrigerate leftovers properly.  Prepare some or all of a meal ahead of time. For example, cook beans or shred cheese for enchiladas the night before. Then refrigerate until ready to use.  On the weekend or other day when you have the time, make several meals that can be frozen in meal-sized portions and reheated for quick meals on busy days.  Make a meal from “ready-to-eat” items from the grocery store such as roast chicken, ready-to-serve salad, instant potatoes, and canned fruit salad.  Get family members to help with meal preparation activities such as scrubbing potatoes, making a salad, and setting the table.

To learn more about classes for adults, or to find information on helping children make healthy food choices, quick and easy meals, feeding your family on a tight budget, or similar topics, contact [insert name and telephone number and e-mail address] at [XX-Extension, XX County].

Sincerely,

[Insert name and title]

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.