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

- 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