We have one fairly standard sized fridge in our kitchen. As the kids started to eat more and more and we went to storing fruits like apples, stone fruits etc in the fridge, combined with me cooking extra at meals for left overs for my lunches we were very much struggling for space.
My nana’s health unfortunately deteriorated and she was moved to a higher level of care at her nursing home, but she very kindly gave us her bar fridge knowing we could make good use of it.
Limited for a place to store it, I opted for the laundry. It is close to the kitchen and has a tiled floor, meaning if the kids spilt things from the fridge it would be easier for them to clean it up.
The fridge was to be the kids’ snack fridge, which they could access for foods to put together morning and afternoon tea and on a as needs basis.
We set some ground rules for the fridge:
- With the exception of the basic fruits (apples and other in season standards) the food was to be for a period of a week.
- If for example, the yogurt was eaten on the first day, there would be no more yogurt until the next Saturday shop.
- Everyone needed to remember to show consideration and restraint.
- If food is spilt or a mess made, it needs to be cleaned up straight away.
- Under no circumstances is the fridge door to be left open.
- Children are to compost food, recycle empty containers and re-stock the fridge when the shopping is brought in on Saturday.
We have had this set up for over six months now and it works brilliantly for us. As was to be expected in the first few weeks, the fridge was pretty bare by the end of the week, but once the novelty wore off, the food now lasts the distance on majority of occasions.
Naturally on school holidays the fridge contains more food as the all the kids are home to get themselves morning and afternoon tea.
The kids really like having the fridge as it gives them greater independence over what and when they eat. I really like it as if they are hungry I can direct them to the fridge where there is plenty of good food for them to eat and it frees up considerable space in the main fridge.
What we stock in the kids’ snack fridge
The kids’ fridge is stocked on Saturdays after our main shop. The main part of the fridge will hold:
- Apples – generally two varieties
- Carrot and celery
- In season fruit – currently nectarines, strawberries and blueberries
- In season fruit – cut up capsicum and tomatoes
- Greek yogurt – for dipping veggies sticks into
- Vanilla yogurt
The freezer part of the fridge will hold:
- 1 packet frozen peas
- 1 packet frozen corn
For some reason my kids love eating frozen peas and corn. They do not however like the packS that have frozen peas, corn and carrots!
My daughter loves to come food shopping with me and she knows exactly what items to grab to restock their fridgecwhich is incredibly helpful.
Would love to hear what you do with your kids with fruit and veg snacks!
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