A recent survey has found over two-thirds (64%) of parents admit they struggle to get their children to eat vegetables. The survey, conducted by HelloFresh has also revealed over half (54%) of British parents believe other parents are doing a better job than them when it comes to encouraging their children to eat veggies.

The data also revealed

• Over 10% of all parents claim their children eat vegetables only once a week or less. 
• Over half (51%) of parents feel the pressure to get their children to eat vegetables 

Interestingly, the survey highlighted a generational difference in the sentiment of parents when it came to their children eating vegetables. 

• Three-quarters (74.9%) of 35-44-year-old parents said they struggled to get their children to eat vegetables, however of this age group, 6.2% of parents said they are aware their children don’t eat enough vegetables, but it doesn’t worry them.
• Over half (55%) of parents aged between 45–54, and all parents aged 55-64 said that they never feel as though they’re bad parents for not feeding their children enough vegetables.
• Younger parents suggested otherwise, with almost two-thirds of 35-44-year-olds (62.6%) and 25-34-year-olds (62.8%) admitting that they have felt like poor parents because their children don’t eat enough vegetables. When asked about their children’s least favourite vegetables, sprouts came out on top as the most disliked vegetable, closely followed by asparagus, cabbage and broccoli. 

Mary Hibberson, a parent of a two-year-old, from Sheffield, admits that she often feels ‘parent guilt’ at dinner time: “When you become a parent you can often feel ambushed by advice, though often helpful it can also be very overwhelming. Dinner time with a two-year-old can be stressful, a lot of what I make my toddler often ends up on the floor.”

“Instagram often makes me feel like every other parent is serving their children home-cooked meals full of veggies, whereas I am happy if my child just eats fish fingers, as long as it’s something! It’s nice to know I am not alone in feeling like a rubbish parent at times. I have managed to get peas on his plate, I think I am a way off sprouts yet.”

In a bid to encourage children to eat more vegetables, recipe box delivery company HelloFresh, has launched its Veggie Superheroes campaign. The Veggie Superheroes come with activity sheets, designed to keep little ones occupied while encouraging them to eat more vegetables and familiarise them with the benefits of doing so.

HelloFresh’s recipe development manager, Mimi Morley said: “As adults, we’re all aware of the multiple health benefits of eating fruit and vegetables and the positive impact they have on children’s development. The majority of us have grown up conscious of the NHS’ advice of eating our ‘five a day’ as a minimum.”

“That being said, many parents find that it can be difficult to instil this into their children, especially if they simply do not like the taste of fruit or vegetables. From disguising vegetables in smoothies and meals your children do like, to giving extra praise when your children try a new vegetable, there are a few tips and tricks when it comes to making sure they eat the vegetables they need.”

“However, we believe every parent needs a little help along the way, which is why we’ve launched our Veggie Superheroes, aimed at familiarising children with the benefits of eating vegetables, in a fun and interactive way.”

Veggie Superheroes activity sheets are available as a free download, with no sign-up required.