Food is something moms can’t escape. Our little ones need three nutritious meals a day plus snacks. Problem is there aren’t enough pages to print all the helpful hints and tips that’ll make this part of your life stress-free and downright enjoyable, so I’m welcoming you into my virtual kitchen. I know a bit about feeding kids, and not just because I’m the food editor of the magazine — I have two daughters under 6 years old.

Let’s start with the top problem many moms have when it comes to food and kids: vegetables. I recently attended an event in Chicago sponsored by Hidden Valley Ranch. I stood side-by-side with 10 Mom Champions at the Love Your Veggies™ conference. What made them champions? In a nutshell, wanting to build a garden in their community or children’s schools. Ten lucky moms won a $5,000 grant to help make that very dream a reality. You can be a Mom Champion too by planting one simple idea: get your kids involved. Studies show that children who garden or cook are more likely to at least try those same foods.

Start small. Grow a window box with basil. It’s a hardy and plentiful herb. A handful is all you need to make fresh pesto. Toss it with hot cooked pasta and you’ve got a quick weeknight dinner. Add canned tuna and diced cherry or grape tomatoes and pack it up as a pasta salad for lunch. That’s just the beginning.

I’ll be blogging all the wonderful ideas that were discussed at the conference, including tips from Jeanne Pinsof Nolan, a.k.a. The Organic Gardener and Art Smith, Oprah’s former chef. In the meantime, don’t forget to check out Let’s Eat in every issue of Working Mother for easy and delicious menu ideas. You’re also welcome to stop by and visit me at In Jennie’s Kitchen (www.InJenniesKitchen.com), my other blog— making meals easier, one recipe at a time™.