Eat Healthier Foods

A recent survey commissioned by the makers of UNCLE BEN’S®  demonstrates that while 77 per cent of Canadian families eat home-cooked dinners five or more nights a week, only 12 per cent let their kids help cook these dinners. In contrast, the survey also revealed that 90 per cent of parents actively believe that teaching kids to cook is an important part of helping them live healthier lives.

It was these statistics that inspired the suppertime-staple brand to engage families by getting kids cooking. On July 20, and with the help of Logan Guleff, the winner of U.S. MasterChef Junior Season Two, the makers of UNCLE BEN’S®  is launching  its BEN BEGINNERS® promotion, a campaign designed to teach children age-appropriate skills for the kitchen.

«We learned that it’s not that parents don’t like or appreciate their children’s support in the kitchen,» says Kyle Lyons, Marketing Director of Food at Mars Canada Inc. «In fact, 70 per cent of parents told us they actually really enjoy having their kids take part in the cooking process! We decided to put together a campaign that enabled them do that in a fun, interactive and modern way. That’s what the BEN’S BEGINNERS® promotion is all about.»

Throughout the 12 weeks of the program, Guleff will engage with Canadians weekly via a microsite that showcases tips and tricks for kids in the kitchen, along with recipes that are fun to make, delicious, and good for them.

«We all want our families to eat healthier foods,» says Registered Dietitian Cara Rosenbloom. «I was thrilled to learn from the UNCLE BEN’S® survey that nine out of ten Canadian families intentionally do cook with nutrition and whole ingredients in mind. But it can be hard to combine what kids like to eat with what they should be eating, and that’s why engaging with a program like the BEN’S BEGINNERS® promotion is a great way to get started.»

Families will be asked to submit photos of the dishes they’ve cooked, based off the promotion recipe challenges which Logan will also talk about making. Three grand prizes are available to be won – winners will be chosen at random at the end of the promotion. Each declared winner will receive a cheque towards purchasing a $10,000RESP.

«Spending quality time in the kitchen is a fantastic way to bond and have fun with your family on a regular basis,» says Rosenbloom. «Once kids get their hands on the food itself, it’s a lot easier to get them to eat what’s on their plates. In the long run, this is what will help the next generation eat better, and live healthier lives.»