Mushroom Council partners with Whole Kids Foundation

September 2019 has been a big one for the mushroom industry — from the annual National Mushroom Month activations to the announcement of the James Beard Foundation Blended Burger Project finalists — and the Mushroom Council has one more exciting announcement. Whole Kids Foundation is the latest organization to partner with the Mushroom Council to promote The Blend in an effort to improve children’s nutrition and to help families make healthier choices.

Along with Whole Kids Foundation, teen chef and MasterChef Junior finalist, Evan Robinson is sharing his favorite ways to blend mushrooms and meat with two new recipes: Blended Mushroom Nachos and “Evanated” Pizza Burgers. The recipes, along with videos, are featured on Whole Kids Foundation’s website as well as Whole Kids Foundation, Mushroom Council and Blenditarian social media channels.

“Mushrooms are an exceptionally kid-friendly food! Blending mushrooms into dishes is a great way to boost protein and fiber and add flavor. We believe in engaging children’s curiosity — and what better to do that than with a food that is a FUNGUS?  Just the word is fun to say,” said Nona Evans, president and executive director of Whole Kids Foundation. “We’re grateful that the Mushroom Council is supportive of finding clever ways to work these health supportive fungi into family meals!”

The Mushroom Council chose to work with Whole Kids Foundation because of its united belief that supporting schools and inspiring families improves children’s nutrition and wellness. In addition, given the right opportunities, kids will get excited about fresh vegetables, whole grains and other nutritious whole foods.

In addition to September being National Mushroom Month, it’s also host to Whole Kids Foundation’s Growing Healthy Kids Campaign to raise funds and build awareness about improving nutritious food programs at K-12 schools in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. that are working to create a deeper connection between kids and food. Whole Kids Foundation provides grants to fund school gardens, salad bars and educational beehives.