The Two Little Owls Guide to the Clean Fifteen and the Dirty Dozen: Making Healthy Choices for Your Family

Making healthy food choices for your family can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding which fruits and vegetables are safest to eat. At Two Little Owls Schoolhouse, we believe that nutrition is a fundamental part of early childhood development, and we're committed to helping families make informed decisions about the food they serve their children.

The Environmental Working Group's annual 'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean Fifteen' lists are valuable resources for parents who want to prioritize organic produce while managing their grocery budget. The Dirty Dozen lists the fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, while the Clean Fifteen lists those with the lowest residues.

Understanding these lists can help you make strategic decisions about which produce to buy organic and which conventional options are safe for your family. For example, if your budget is limited, you might choose to buy organic versions of items on the Dirty Dozen list while purchasing conventional versions of items on the Clean Fifteen list.

At Two Little Owls Schoolhouse, we incorporate this knowledge into our meal planning and snack preparation, ensuring that the children in our care receive the healthiest possible nutrition. We also share this information with families so they can make informed choices at home.

Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress. Every healthy choice you make for your family contributes to their overall well-being and development.