All too often I hear from parents complaining that their children (of all ages) won't eat their vegetables no matter how tasty or even "hidden" they are. America's health and wellness report card continues to get a failing grade. The incidences of obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes are at pandemic levels with little hope in sight for change. Which is why teaching our children the importance of eating fruits and vegetables is critical.

In order to empower our next generations with healthier eating habits, we need to involve them in both the selection and celebration of foods. Just insisting that one "cleans his plate" does not work in 2008 the way it did in the 1950s.

Supermarkets today load up their produce department with about 400 different choices, enough variety to satisfy even the most finicky of eaters. So it's time to take advantage of the harvest that the produce manager has assembled.

Each week, have each member of your family under the age of 13 select one fruit or vegetable that the family has never tried before. Have them ask the produce manager for a taste (which is something all produce manager love to offer) and tell them about the item: where it comes from, any cultural history, how to select for the best ripeness and flavor, how to store, prepare and serve, and of course, everything about its nutritional benefits.

In the kitchen let the kids do the preparation, and allow them to be the chef and demonstrate to you. At the table, ask them to tell the rest of the family all about the produce item and then take a vote to see if this week's produce find becomes part of the family's regular eating experience.

Putting your kids in charge of the produce will not only make eating nature's most powerful foods part of their regular diets, but will also make every meal more fun and exciting.