Eating Balanced Meals, Farm-fresh Produce Benefits Families

Eating balanced meals and farm-fresh produce benefits families, communities, say University of Missouri nutrition experts.

As fall approaches, Robin Gammon, MU dietitian and Stay Strong, Stay Healthy Program Manager, says families can implement healthy eating ideas to mark the new season. Based on insights from MU nutrition and exercise research and MU Extension programs, she recommends:

• Take the entire family to the farmers market and buy a fruit or vegetable you haven't tried before. Ask the farmer for preparation or cooking tips.
• Eat seasonal produce. Produce is usually fresher and cheaper when it is in season.
• Make meal planning a family activity. Before going to the grocery store, plan meals for the week.
• Plan quicker meals for nights that you have evening activities.
• Try to make each meal balanced by including all or most of the food groups.

Lorin Fahrmeier with MU Extension coordinates the Missouri Farm to Institution/Farm to School project. The project is part of the national Farm to School network that connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in schools, improving

Source: Eurekalert