Whole Foods, Celeb Chef Launch Kids Food Adventure

Natural and organic foods retailer Whole Foods Market and Chef Jehangir Mehta, “The Next Iron Chef” runner-up and executive chef/owner of Graffiti Food & Wine Bar in New York, have joined forces to create The Kids Food Adventure with Chef Jehangir Mehta, a series of hands-on classes to encourage parents and children to be more adventurous with food while making healthy choices.

“We often observe in our stores that when children try new foods and flavors in a fun setting, they are more prone to add them to their list of favorites,” said Whole Foods spokeswoman Kate Lowery. “With Chef Jehangir’s creativity and enthusiasm, this program with its family-friendly classes and online tips aims to put kids and their parents on a path to explore all kinds of delicious and, importantly, nutritious foods.”

Mehta kicked off the multi-city class tour in New York at Whole Foods’ 95 E. Houston Street location on Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.

“Children can be intimidated by foods that are unfamiliar to them, which means they often won’t try something they haven’t seen before,” noted Mehta. “The Kids Food Adventure will give families fresh ideas to get children interested in trying new food concepts and flavors to make a long-lasting, positive impact on the way they eat. It’s a high five for their palates.”

Mehta is known in the food world for his creative edge and daring, unorthodox choices. During the events, children and their parents will go on a “Journey with Jehangir,” participating in interactive store tours, educational and creative cooking demos, and conversations designed to encourage healthy, adventurous cooking at home.

Space is limited for the program, which is designed for children ages 6 to 11. Following the Big Apple debut, which cost $30 per child accompanied by an adult, Mehta will take the show on the road, with stops at Whole Foods locations in Austin, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles and New Orleans. Details and event dates will be posted online next week at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/kidsfoodaventure, along with tips, recipes, shopping lists, blog postings and videos.

The Kids Food Adventure with Chef Jehangir Mehta is one of Whole Foods’ efforts to help promote lifelong positive eating habits for children. Last fall, the company launched the “School Lunch Revolution,” which enabled its customers to help fund a program led by the “Renegade Lunch Lady,” chef Ann Cooper, who works to improve children’s healthy eating habits by transforming school lunch menus across the country.
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