(NC) Food is essential to keeping us happy, healthy and well nourished. One way we can help protect the planet is by explaining the farm-to-table process to help kids grow an appreciation for where their food comes from. It can be entertaining and interactive, too, when you follow these five steps:

Understand what “going green” really means
Almost half of all Canadians are confused by environmental terminology, but learning together can be fun. Use an online tool such as Maple Leaf Foods’ Green Glossary to see simple definitions of terms like “carbon footprint” and learn about how the food we choose can help protect the planet.

Farmers’ market fun
Now that you know some fantastic environmental terms, take the kids to a local farmer’s market and put sustainable shopping into practice. Introduce them to the people who dedicate their lives to growing healthy, nutritious food and ask them about the farm-to-table process – from planting seeds and harvesting crops to raising animals and transporting produce.

Cook with the kids
Select some seasonal produce and pick a recipe you can cook with your kids’ help. Be creative to reduce food waste. Asparagus is a great example of a spring vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals that works with eggs for breakfast, in soup or salad for lunch and as a fresh side at dinnertime.

Create your own compost
Food can have an environmental impact, even when dinner is finished. Start a family compost bin to produce rich soil for your garden while putting leftover food to good use. Make a DIY compost bin using an old tote. Add some dirt to the bottom and throw in peelings and food scraps leftover from meals.

Plant an herb garden
Put your new, nutritious soil to the test. Plant an herb garden and see seedlings sprout, providing a full circle moment for kids and introducing them to growing their own food.