WHY TASTYBABY CARES ABOUT THE ARTS FOR KIDS

At Tastybaby, we firmly believe that exposure to the Arts can nourish children in a different but equally important way as eating healthy food.  Certainly, good organic food and a balanced diet helps kids develop and maintain strong minds and bodies; but it is the Arts that feeds their souls.  Before we started Tastybaby, we volunteered for a wonderful LA charity that brought the Arts to at-risk children.  We helped create some great programs and signature events and raised lots of money -- something we'll always feel proud of.  (We also learned, through those experiences, that we are a pretty good team ... working together on charity events eventually led to Tastybaby!)  Most importantly, we got to see the effect of the Arts on children; especially those children who otherwise would not have access to classes like these because they live and go to school in disadvantaged areas.  We saw things that can only be described as miracles!  Children whose home lives were full of trauma and, in many cases, abuse would start out being terribly shy and unwilling to participate.  But then, over time, they would slowly come to life, inspired by the power of music, art, drama or dance.  These are among our most gratifying experiences.

So, when we had a chance to be a part of Express Yourself, a great LA ids event that raises  money to support PS Arts, a non-profit that funds Arts programs in the most impoverished Title 1 Public Schools, we jumped at the opportunity.  Express Yourself, which takes place Barker Hanger in the Santa Monica Airport  every Fall is any kid's dream event!  There are literally dozens of booths they can visit to make arts & crafts projects (many of them environmentally-sensitive) and snack on delicious food.  Everything is donated and the event is entirely staffed by volunteers.  It is, without a doubt, a highlight of the year!

 Express Yourself draws all kinds of people from around LA, including lots of artists and celebrities who turn out to support the cause.  Many of the children enrolled in PS Arts' free programs get a chance to shine -- this year a talented group of girls took to the stage to sing with Daniel Powter (of "So You Had A Bad Day" fame), as the crowd cheered them on. 

And, Tastybaby also rocked the house with our super-Tasty booth where we handed out  literally  hundreds of snacks and Tasty bags and did eco-art projects with the kids.  Shannan whipped up some yummy recipes for Bango Smoothies (using our yummy banana, mango & vanilla flavor) and Sweetie Pie Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting (using our sweet potato, apple & cinnamon flavor).  Check out Shannan's recipes for both delicious snacks.  [link to Shannan's recipes] It made us feel really great to serve kids healthy, organic treats they all loved. 
Renee & Kelly tirelessly handed out samples and tasty totes to appreciative guests, and it was lots of fun to see everyone running around with our fabulous eco bags!  (We encouraged everyone to use them at the market instead of taking paper or plastic bags.)

Our art projects were pretty cool, too!  We offered 2 special crafts:  Planting organic seeds (carrots, basil, flowers, etc.) in biodegradable containers kids decorated, and creating a colorful "flower," made from recycled and re-purposed Tastybaby packaging and other fun materials.  Our adorable volunteers, Amy & Sarah, spent all day helping children create projects they were so proud to take home.

One other nice thing about the event was that we got to hear fantastic words of encouragement from lots of Tastybaby fans, including many celebrities.  This always makes us feel great because we know we're touching a cord with moms, from the "regular" tp the famous!  After all, we all share one thing in common: we want to do what's best for our children.