Sweet, Simple Summer: A Single Parent’s Guide to Fruits, Veggies & Little Wins (with a Dash of Faith)

by Kopper Thatch

A The Kids & Me Guest Writer

June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, and as a single parent, I have come to appreciate the gentle gifts that come with each season. Summer’s produce is one of them: colorful, nourishing, and full of life, just like the goodness God provides in even the most ordinary moments.

Our fridge right now is stocked with strawberries, cucumbers, watermelon, and cherry tomatoes. My daughter lights up when she sees a bowl of chilled fruit like it is a bowl of candy. I will admit, there is something sacred about the simplicity of it all. A reminder that God’s provision often looks like little joys made ready for us, no striving, just receiving.

She is not a picky eater (thank You, Lord), but I know many families are navigating that path. One fun way to make fruits and veggies more inviting? We play the Fruit & Veggie Rainbow Challenge; the goal is to try every color of the rainbow through the week. It sparks curiosity, turns snack time into connection time, and reminds us how much beauty God created in every color, texture, and flavor.

Here are two fun ways we are enjoying our produce this month:

Easy Summer Garden Pasta Salad

Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or light dinners

Ingredients:

• 1 box of whole wheat or chickpea rotini, cooked and cooled

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup cucumbers, chopped

• ½ cup sweet corn (fresh or frozen)

• ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced

• ½ cup feta or mozzarella pearls

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh basil to taste

  
  

Directions: Toss all ingredients together in a big bowl. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve with grilled chicken or enjoy on its own. Simple, refreshing, and full of summer.

🍓 3-Ingredient Fruit & Faith Popsicles

A sweet way to cool off and remember God’s goodness

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh fruit (we love strawberries + mango or watermelon + blueberries)

• 1 cup coconut water or plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

  
  

Directions:

Blend everything until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze 4–6 hours. When we pop them out, we say one thing we are thankful for, a small habit that reminds us God’s blessings are worth pausing for.

Summer is not always slow or quiet, especially in solo parenting, but God is present in the little things: sliced fruit shared on a porch, laughter during a rainbow food challenge, a moment of stillness while popsicles freeze.

Here is to letting His love meet us in the ordinary, the nourishing, and the colorful this season.