SmallBites teaches parents, and parents-to-be, how to make healthy, safe and sustainable food choices in a way that saves them time.

History
Small Bites LLC was born in 2005 out of a desire to provide parents with information that would help them learn to relax and enjoy the feeding process with their children.

Goals
To provide parents with practical information about feeding their children. We know that one visit to the pediatrician rarely answers all of the questions parents have about feeding their children and that busy parents are looking for a fast and reliable source for straight-forward answers. Our goal is to be that source.

To teach parents how to give their children the tools they need to develop a healthy relationship with food. We believe that a positive association with eating starts initially with breast- or bottle-feeding. The introduction of solid foods is simply the next phase of this feeding relationship between parent and child. Our goal is to help nurture that relationship.

To inspire parents to help their children become great, adventurous eaters. We believe that one of the ways in which this can be achieved is by encouraging children to taste and eat a wide variety of delicious and healthy foods. Our goal is to inspire you to do this with your children.

Mission
Small Bites focuses its efforts on encouraging people to buy foods that have been sustainably grown. Sustainable foods are foods that have been grown in a way that is healthy for people and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for the workers and supports small farms and the rural communities in which they operate.

Bio

Small Bites was founded by Erin Patterson, a dynamic teacher with over ten years of healthcare training experience. Erin holds a public health master’s degree in Community Health Education and is the mother of two kids who love to eat. Erin shares the Slow Food philosophy that the enjoyment of wholesome food is essential to the pursuit of happiness and that the table is a center of pleasure, culture and community.

Contact
Small Bites LLC
115 1st Place #1R
Brooklyn, NY 11231

347-613-6902
erin@smallbitesonline.com

Does Small Bites offer advice about nutrition?
Although Small Bites does offer some basic information about nutrition in each of its classes, our primary focus is to provide practical advice about eating and feeding. For more in depth information regarding nutritional needs and the nutritional content of various foods, please consult your physician or a nutritionist.


What are some of the questions I might have that Small Bites could help me answer?

• What is the best time to start solid foods?
• How much solid food do I give and when do I give it?
• I have a history of food allergies in my family. How does this relate to feeding my child?
  
• What are the top choking hazards of which I should be aware?
  
• What are some good early foods to try with my baby and how should I prepare them?

• My child has suddenly become a picky eater, how do I deal with this?
  
• Should I be a “short order cook” for my child?
  
• What do I do if my child doesn’t eat all of his dinner…or ANY of his dinner?
  
• What kind of snacks are good to feed my child?
  
• What are some good, quick, healthy meals I can feed my toddler?
  
• How can I get my toddler to eat more vegetables?
  
• Is it okay to give my child juice?
• What is the issue with hormones in dairy products? Should I be concerned?

• How can I shop organic without spending a ton of money?
  
• Is it important to eat organic foods at all?
  
• What is the difference between “organic” and “sustainable”?
  
• Does all meat contain antibiotics?
  
• Which fish have the highest levels of mercury? Which fish have the lowest?
  
• How does the mercury in fish affect me and my family?
  
• What can I do to give my family the best opportunity for eating well without spending a fortune?
  

Why would I need a private consultation?
If you’re looking for individualized attention, privacy and convenience, then a Small Bites private consultation is the service for you. Small Bites is available to consult with you, in person, on any of its four main topics and how they relate to you, your child and your family as a whole.

What is sustainable agriculture?
Simply put, sustainable agriculture is a method of agriculture that attempts to guarantee that farms make money while at the same time preserving the environment and ensuring social and economic equity. For more information, please visit SARE and Sustainable Table.