Problem: Mark plans and prepares meals for a local Head Start program that serves approximately seventy-five 3- and 4-year-olds. He has explored and likes the new MyPlate guidelines and wants to use several features when he revises his weekly menus for the coming school year. He is especially interested in incorporating more plant-based proteins and ethnic foods into his meals. He also wants to include new fruit and vegetable varieties for the children to taste.
Mark has checked out several ethnic and vegetarian cookbooks from the local library and is eager to try some of the recipes. He is also aware that the children may not initially be receptive to some of these menu changes. However, he is prepared to work closely with the teachers to increase the children's familiarity with the novel foods. Mark has also volunteered to build a garden in the play yard so the children can be involved in growing some of the fruits and vegetables that will be served.
Help write two-paragraph essay in which you provide a rationale for why it is important to include ethnic foods in children's menus.