While my garden thrives with tomatoes, kale, cucumbers, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, and more over the course of a gardening season, I am known as a killer of melons. I have never managed to bring one to fruit, though certainly not for lack of trying.
Growing season is well underway, and thanks to the support of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, families who may not have access to local produce are now incorporating farm-direct harvests into their diets.
Just like we do during the school year, we provide nourishing foods like chicken, black-eyed peas, lentils, whole wheat spaghetti, apple sauce, and cereal for families to select together at Joyful Food Markets.
Julian Argoti wasn’t much of a cook. But when he realized that most of the low income seniors he worked with as a public health intern at the city of Greenbelt Food Pantry were dealing with diabetes and high blood pressure, he decided to become one. The Capital Area Food Bank was there to help.
We applaud yesterday’s new nutrition labels released yesterday that highlight important changes related to calories, serving sizes and sugars.
It’s the first overhaul of labels in 20 years and, as WashPo says “highlights the many breakthroughs in nutrition science as well as upheavals in the nation’s disease burden during that period.”
The food bank is hard at work on an exciting new project that will get delicious, healthy, and low cost recipes into the hands of our community. As we anticipate the September 2016 launch of our new cookbook, “Bountiful Bowls”, we’re giving you a sneak preview of what’s to come. Check back often for updates!
The facts are not new: those with Type II diabetes have quadrupled in number globally since 1980. Even when you control for a rising population, the number is doubling. The trend that has walloped the United States and Europe is now moving into the developing world almost in direct proportion to the flows and consumption rates of processed foods.
Our Urban Demonstration Garden has had another great week.
By recognizing partners who are committed to distributing healthy food and pairing it with nutrition resources, we will see a positive impact in the community.
This is a great week for harvesting in the garden, as there are beautiful vegetable blooms.
