USDA to Grandparents: Read Government Bedtime Stories to Encourage Healthy Eating -- ‘Hugs are much better than sweet treats’ -- By Elizabeth Harrington, The Washington Free Beacon

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is giving advice to grandparents on how they can get their grandkids to eat healthier, including instructions to give them “hugs” instead of treats, and read government bedtime stories.

“Take time to share and listen to your grandchild—the time you spend together offers wonderful opportunities to understand one another,” a USDA blog post entitled, “Grandparents Help Kids Develop Good Eating Habits,” said on Monday.

“Discuss likes and dislikes of different foods and talk about what they eat at school or at home,” the agency said. “Involve grandkids in selecting and preparing foods for meals, and offer the same foods to everyone. Avoid making different dishes to please young, fussy eaters.”

The USDA then tells grandma to serve her grandchildren baby carrots, applesauce, and string cheese to “meet their daily food group needs.”

“Reward them with your attention,” the USDA said. “Hugs are much better than sweet treats.”

The department also directed grandparents to read government bedtime stories to “show how much they love and care about their grandchildren.”

“Show your grandchild games, activity sheets, and other fun ways to learn about good nutrition at My Plate Kids’ Place,” the USDA said. “For a bedtime story, read The Two Bite Club.”

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