More PEAS Please

Young children explore the world through play, and food is no exception! When we invite children to play with foods in purposeful, respectful ways, it can help them become more comfortable with new textures, smells, and flavors over time. Check it out!

📣We’re excited to share our newest publication in the Journal of Public Health Nutrition: “Beyond the Plate: Can a Food-Based Science Learning Intervention Improve Preschool Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Consumption?” Hint: That "intervention" in the title is PEAS!

Read the full article here:https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/30C7D01AA6653C1EA533CFE46EAF5C50/S1368980026101967a.pdf

Meet Kristi, a Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent bringing PEAS to her community! Last month she did the strawberry activity at a local preschool in Camden County, NC. Way to go, Kristi!

New to PEAS? Learn how our evidence-based approach supports early educators in bringing science and food-based learning to life. Explore our mission and meet our team at www.morepeasplease.org

Happy holidays from our PEAS pod to yours! Wishing you a holiday season full of your favorite things. See everyone in 2026!

The holidays are filled with lots of wonderful things, including tasty treats! Navigating sweets in the holidays may seem daunting, especially with little ones. Check out this resource for tips on how to treat holiday sweets!

Fall is for the sweet potato! Try this easy Sweet Potato Applesauce Recipe with your classroom this fall! It’s one of our PEAS Fan Favorites!

Wish mealtimes felt more fun and less stressful? Try the Learning Plate!

It’s simply an extra plate (or napkin!) in front of the child where “not-yet-preferred” foods can go—no pressure to eat. Just a safe spot for kids to explore foods their own pace.

The win isn’t about eating the food—it’s about leveling up each time. Maybe today they poked the pea pod, and next time they’re brave enough to smell it. That’s Learning Plate progress worth celebrating!

Want to learn more? Check out https://sosapproachtofeeding.com

September means school is back in full swing! Check out this recipe video for a yummy tomato and black bean salsa for a healthy afterschool snack! https://www.morepeasplease.org/recipe-videos

We’re honored to share that PEAS received the 2025 Program Impact Award at the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior (SNEB) Annual Conference earlier this month in Indianapolis, IN!

This national award recognizes programs that have documented evidence of improving healthful eating and physical activity behaviors in communities. We’re proud to see the work of our educators, families, and community partners celebrated on a national stage!

Children under 4 are still learning how to chew and swallow, so preparing foods thoughtfully helps make mealtimes safe and enjoyable—whether you're at home or in the classroom!

👀 Be mindful of foods that are round, sticky, or firm—like grapes, hot dogs, popcorn, and nut butters.
🔪 Make foods easier to manage by cutting them into small pieces, softening when needed, and modeling for children how to bite and chew.
🍽️ Support safe eating habits by keeping children seated without distraction during mealtimes.

These simple strategies help children explore new foods with confidence and build lifelong healthy habits!