If we haven’t met already, my name is Casey, and I am the Nutrition Services Manager at Barnabas and a registered dietitian. March is National Nutrition Month, and I am excited to celebrate nutritious foods and share information with you throughout this month.

The theme for National Nutrition Month this year is “Fuel for the Future”, so in addition to talking about nutrient-rich food choices, we will also be discussing sustainable food choices! We have so many great opportunities in Nassau County to shop for food locally and affordably!

For our first week of National Nutrition Month, we will discuss Eating with the Environment in Mind. Some ways to do that are:

• Enjoy more plant-based meals and snacks– try having a “meatless Monday’ each week or even just one plant-based dinner during the week. Incorporate plant proteins like beans or tofu. Here are two simple recipes to try: TOFU RICOTTA and CHICKPEA SALAD.
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• Purchase foods with minimal packaging– this is so simple to do when buying fresh produce; skip the pre-packaged/ pre-cut veggies with extra plastic and styrofoam and bring your own bags from home to put your produce in rather than using the produce bags provided.

• Buy foods in season and shop locally when possible– check out this list of in-season produce for our area. We also have a great partnership with Traders Hill Farm in Hilliard, where you can get seasonal, local produce delivered to your house. We will talk more about this later in the month!

• Start a container or backyard garden to grow food at home-not everyone has a green thumb or space for a garden, but growing hearty herbs in a small container on your porch is a great way to start eating with the environment in mind!

Check back and stay tuned to your email this month for fun activities, cooking demonstrations, helpful tips, and more.

Stay Healthy!

Casey Hemphill, RD, LDN

Nutrition Services Manager