National Eat Your Vegetables Day (June 17)
National Eat Your Vegetables Day is a great reminder to add more greens (and reds, yellows, and purples) to your plate.
Whether you’re a veggie lover or still figuring out how to enjoy them, June 17 is a fun excuse to try something new.
From hidden veggie recipes to hands-on garden activities for kids, this day promotes both healthy eating and creative cooking. One of the weird holidays in June worth celebrating.ty to explore new flavors and reap the nutritional benefits that vegetables have to offer.
When is the Holiday?
National Eat Your Vegetables Day is observed annually on June 17.
Who Invented It?
There’s no clear founder, but the holiday likely originated from public health advocates, nutritionists, or veggie-forward campaigns aimed at promoting healthy diets.
The History of the Holiday
While not tied to a specific event, the holiday likely emerged during the rise of nutrition awareness movements in the late 20th century.
As more attention turned to diet-related diseases, vegetables became central to health messaging, leading to themed days like this to increase public awareness and participation.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
The USDA recommends filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables at each meal.
Some of the most consumed vegetables in the U.S. are potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, though often in fried or processed forms.
“Vegetables” isn’t a botanical term, it’s culinary. Many “veggies” like tomatoes and avocados are actually fruits.
Hidden veggie recipes have become a popular way for parents to boost kids’ nutrition without battles at the dinner table.
June is peak season for many veggies, including cucumbers, zucchini, green beans, and tomatoes, perfect timing for this holiday.
Activities to Celebrate
Make veggie art by stamping with okra, carrots, and celery.
Host a veggie tasting party and let kids try a bite of several new vegetables.
Start a windowsill garden with fast-growing veggies like lettuce or radishes.
Visit a farmers’ market and pick out unusual or seasonal vegetables to experiment with.
Create a rainbow veggie chart for kids to color in each time they eat a new color.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
If you’re trying to sneak more vegetables into your meals (especially for picky eaters), these recipes make it easier—and tastier:
Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Cornbread Muffins – Cheesy, fluffy, and dotted with broccoli pieces, these muffins pair perfectly with soups or work as a standalone snack.
Pumpkin Carrot Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins – Moist, lightly sweet, and packed with fiber, these muffins combine three hidden veggies in one kid-approved treat.
Sweet Potato Chicken Nuggets – A crispy alternative to traditional nuggets, these use mashed sweet potatoes to add nutrition and a natural sweetness.
Zucchini Pasta Sauce (Creamy Tomato Style) – Grated zucchini blends into a smooth, creamy tomato sauce that’s perfect over spaghetti and totally undetectable.
Carrot Pancakes with Maple Cashew Cream – A naturally sweet breakfast option, these pancakes are soft and flavorful with a creamy cashew topping that feels indulgent.
Green Monster Muffins (Spinach + Banana) – Bright green from fresh spinach but tasting like banana bread, these muffins are a fun way to serve leafy greens.
Chocolate Cauliflower Smoothie – Rich and creamy thanks to steamed cauliflower, this smoothie is chocolate-forward with hidden veggies you’ll never taste.
Hidden Veggie Sloppy Joe Sliders – Classic sloppy joes made better with finely chopped carrots, mushrooms, and peppers mixed into the sauce.
Beetroot Smoothie – A vibrant purple blend of beets, berries, and banana with natural sweetness and earthy depth—ideal for breakfast or snack time.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – Creamy and comforting, this dish swaps some of the cheese for pureed squash, adding nutrients without sacrificing flavor.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Links to Resources
Here are some helpful and engaging links to support your celebration of National Eat Your Vegetables Day:
Parts of a Plant Worksheet – A great way to teach kids where vegetables come from, including roots, stems, leaves, and flowers.
Vegetable Garden Coloring Pages – This detailed coloring sheet introduces children to common garden vegetables in a creative, calming way.
Indoor Hydroponic Garden Kit – This countertop gardening system makes it easy to grow herbs, lettuce, or cherry tomatoes indoors—great for small spaces or family learning projects.
My Magical Foods – A charming picture book that introduces kids to healthy foods, including vegetables, as magical fuel for their bodies, turning mealtime into something exciting.
Related Holidays
National Potato Day (August 19) – A celebration of one of the most versatile veggies, from mashed to roasted to fries.
National Onion Rings Day (June 22) – A crisp and savory nod to a popular way to enjoy vegetables in snack form.
International Carrot Day (April 3) – This global event highlights one of the most colorful and kid-friendly root vegetables.
National Eat Your Beans Day (July 3) – Promotes another plant-based powerhouse that pairs perfectly with many veggie-forward meals.
Pin it!
Share this post about National Eat Your Vegetables Day on Pinterest!
