This rainforest-conscious family dinner menu is inspired by the book The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry, and is part of our monthly Family Dinner Book Club.
This month’s Family Dinner Book Club is all about the beauty found in the Amazon Rainforest, and how we can help protect the world’s rainforests. Our lead book is The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry. Go check out Growing Book by Book for a full reading list, conversation starters, and family service project ideas. Then head over to Sunny Day Family for a fun craft to create with your kids.
This book is a great reminder that we as the human race have a responsibility to protect and care for our planet and all she has to offer. The Amazon Rainforest as well as the Temperate Rainforest are full of life that help to sustain our world.
This month’s family dinner menu is made up of foods that don’t require tons of natural resources to produce. A major way we can support our rainforests is by reducing beef consumption, and eating more fruits and vegetables. Are we sensing a theme here? This sounds very similar to our guidelines for reducing the demand on water, doesn’t it?
Potatoes are an easy crop to grow and harvest. They don’t place too much demand on Earth’s resources, and they originate from the Amazon Rainforest! So let’s have a Baked Potato Bar!
One thing to look out for when planning a Rainforest-friendly meal is the labels on the foods you purchase. Look for the Rainforest Alliance Certified badge on packaged foods. From the Rainforest Alliance website: “Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms are those that have met the comprehensive environmental, social, and economic criteria associated with our Sustainable Agriculture Standard.”
So fill your plates with potatoes and veggies! Use meat and dairy products in moderation. Serve a brightly colored fruit salad for dessert. The one you see pictured contains nectarines, blueberries, and cherries. Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season, and try to shop local when possible.
The Great Kapok Tree
Family Dinner Book Club
Menu
Baked Potato Bar
-broccoli, zucchini, asparagus,
corn, black beans, salsa, sour cream,
cheddar cheese, bacon
Fruit Salad
Water
