Free Fruit for Kids

Since last year, supermarkets around the world began giving away free fruit to children when grocery shopping with their parents. What a great initiative! Recently, people became much more aware of this idea when the below photo went viral on social media..

Millions of Facebook users liked or shared the photo. Never have I been more appreciative of this great initiative as I was today. On the way home from work and school, I needed to pop into our local supermarket to grab some food for dinner and the kids were in their usual post-school ‘feed-me-now-or-I-will-die’ kind of moods. They were on the verge of a massive meltdown as we entered the store. They were tired and hungry (so was I).  The last thing they wanted to do was go shopping.

As we entered the fruit and vegie section, wondering why on earth I chose to put myself through this additional stress, I spotted a large box full of fruit with the sign..”Gratis fruit voor kinderen” (Free fruit for children).  Thank god! I thought. The kids grabbed an apple each, took a bite, smiles appeared on their faces, and what was to be a stressful and embarrassing situation became a pleasant one.

Even though this idea is not new in the Netherlands, it has definately become more common. Since the beginning of 2016, I have noticed the box of fruit for kids in most supermarkets I visit. In addition to easing the shopping process for parents, it is also increasing awareness of a healthy diet.  A win-win situation!  The idea of try before you buy is also a bonus, though far from a new concept in supermarkets. In the Netherlands, it is common to be able to taste blocks of cheese, pieces of donuts, candy, cake and coffee before you purchase. Fruit is a healthier and much welcomed alternative!

At the moment, free fruit is not consistent in supermarkets throughout the country, as is up to each local store whether or not they choose to take part. So I do hope that all supermarkets will follow suit and join in with this fun and healthy initiative to promote healthy kids and sane parents!

Does your local supermarket(s) offer free fruit for kids?

Kristen