What can I do if they say they do not care where food comes from? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child expresses indifference by saying they do not care where food originates, this is a clear sign of disconnection from the source, rather than outright defiance or malice. The key to addressing this is to strategically reconnect them by awakening curiosity instead of invoking guilt. 

Tracing the Journey of a Meal 

Invite the child to actively trace the journey of just one meal component in a gentle, investigative manner. Ask engaging questions, such as, ‘Who grew this rice, and how was it harvested?’ or, ‘Can we figure out the full story of how the milk reached our fridge?’ Watching age-appropriate videos of farmers working or animal caretakers going about their tasks can be highly effective, as the visual element often softens indifference and fosters appreciation for the effort involved. 

Building Empathy Through Experience 

It is crucial to avoid moralising the issue. Instead, parents should focus on building genuine empathy through relatable stories and experiences. Say, ‘Every single meal you enjoy has a long journey of effort—made possible both by Allah’s will and the hard work of many people.’ A powerful exercise is to let them prepare a simple dish entirely from scratch. When they physically feel the time and effort involved—from shelling peas to chopping vegetables—the casual statement of ‘I do not care’ can gradually transform into the thoughtful realisation of ‘I see now’. The ultimate goal is to simply plant awareness, not to preach complex ethics. 

Spiritual Insight 

From an Islamic perspective, the entire system of provision is a continuously unfolding set of divine signs (ayat). Addressing indifference requires elevating the act of eating into an opportunity for tafakkur (thoughtful reflection). 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahl (16), Verse 10–11: 

‘It is He who sends down water from the sky; from it you drink, and by it grow the vegetation on which you pasture your cattle. With it He grows for you the crops, olives, date-palms, grapes, and all kinds of fruits. Surely in that is a sign for people who reflect…’ 

This verse directly and eloquently invites reflection on the divine origin of all sustenance. It shows children that the existence and abundance of every single food item is a clear divine sign. Teaching this verse encourages children to shift their state from carelessness to tafakkur (thoughtful reflection), demonstrating that true food appreciation is a fundamental religious duty. 

It is recorded in Mishkaat Al Masaabih, Hadith 3025, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:  

‘He who does not thank people, does not thank Allah…’ 

This profound hadith teaches us that gratitude (shukr) begins directly with awareness. By gently reminding children that knowing where their food comes from—and acknowledging the efforts of the Creator and the created—is an essential act of shukr, indifference is transformed into quiet, mindful appreciation for Allah’s expansive mercy and provision. This perspective makes even the smallest item on their plate a subject worthy of deep, spiritual consideration.