Alabama’s Melanie Cade, a 37-year-old mother of nine, has invested in a $1,300 salad bar for her kitchen to promote healthier eating and self-sufficiency among her children.
According to a Daily Mail report, Cade, who lives in Alabama with her husband and children, found herself increasingly concerned with her kids’ unhealthy lunch choices and sought a solution. In a video shared online, which has amassed over 500,000 views, Cade explained that the salad bar was part of her effort to encourage better eating habits.
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The family includes nine children: Anita, 19; TJ, 17; Nathaniel, 14; twins Mason and Madison, 12; Zachary, 8; Jacob, 5; Noah-James, 4; and Charity, 10 months. Cade restocks the salad bar, which she purchased from a restaurant supply store two years ago, once or twice a week with items like shredded cheese, turkey, boiled eggs, peppers, and a variety of dressings, fruits, and cheese sticks.
“I restock the top once or twice a week, depending on how busy we are and what we need,” Cade explained. “The bottom has two refrigerated sides, where I keep salad plates and bowls chilled and ready for use.” She told Today
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Cade said the salad bar also provides an alternative when her children don’t like what is planned for meals. “If one of our children doesn’t care for what we have planned for lunch or dinner, they are welcome to choose from the salad or sandwich bar,” she said.
Before investing in the stand-alone unit, Cade had used a similar setup with a fridge drawer and plastic containers. “This is totally doable,” she said. “You just have to be creative with your space and budget.”
The idea for the salad bar came during the pandemic, when Cade noticed her children had developed an unhealthy reliance on pre-packaged snacks. “I run a tight ship,” she stated. “My kids eat cookies and chips, but during the pandemic, I saw an unhealthy dependency on pre-packaged snacks because they were so convenient.”
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Cade said the family spends about $100 a week on items for the salad bar, including seasonal fruits, vegetables, and whole cuts of meat.
“I’ve learned that kids eat with their eyes, so making food look aesthetically pleasing has a big impact,” Cade said. “When they see the vibrant colors, textures, and variety, it excites them.”
Cade, who homeschools her children and shares her family’s daily life online, said she hopes to inspire others through her experiences. “My goal is to help others realize their potential,” she added.
