Greetings! We hope you're enjoying the final weeks of summer, before school and fall kicks into high gear. This week we're talking about the importance of supporting federal nutrition programs, sharing easy ways to extend the tomato harvest, and highlighting an amazing on-the-ground event organized by one of our members. Have a great week!
1. HOT LINE
Ask Congress to Support Federal Nutrition Programs
The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 established our federal school meal and child nutrition programs, including summer feeding, child and adult care, school breakfast and lunch, and special supplemental nutrition for women, infants and children. Congress reauthorizes program standards and funding for the Child Nutrition Act every five years, and has just begun the 2015 reauthorization process. Join us to tell Congress to use the 2015 Child Nutrition Authorization to give as many children as possible access to nutritious, healthy food!
Quick links
- New study from UConn Rudd Center: Fast-food and chain restaurants spent $244 million in advertising on Spanish-language TV and $61 million on Black-targeted TV. Black youth saw 2X as many ads for gum/mints, soda, and other sugary drinks compared with White youth.
- More than 1.5 million North Carolina children and families live in food deserts—areas where it is difficult to buy affordable, good-quality, fresh food—and need better access to healthy foods. Tell NC lawmakers to include HB 250, the Healthy Food Small Retailer/Corner Store Act, in the state budget!
2. JOIN THE CONVERASTION
#FoodFri today at 1pm ET on Twitter: Produce Tips!
Join @MomsRising, @produceforkids, @TampaMama and @fitkidsplaytopic for today's chat: "Produce: Tips to Purchase, Store and Create Healthy Meals". Just follow #FoodFri on Twitter to participate!
3. SALAD BAR
You say tomato, I say tomat-OH!
Love tomatoes? Then this is probably your favorite time of year. Tomato plants are bursting with ripe fruit, and even the most ambitious tomato-eater can have a hard time putting it all to good use. Here’s one of my family’s favorite tomato recipes: homemade marinara sauce!
- Find some yummy tomatoes. Any variety will work. You’ll want 10-12 medium-sized fruit, which is about 3-4 pounds.
- Cut out the core, blanch and peel tomatoes. (See tips for blanching in the full post.)
- Chop the tomatoes if you like a chunky sauce, or puree them if you prefer a smooth one.
- Sautee 3 cloves chopped garlic, 1/2 a chopped onion, and some salt and pepper in olive oil for about a minute. These quantities are purely to taste.
- Add your chopped tomatoes to the onions and garlic, and throw in a hand of chopped basil. Let it cook down until volume is reduced by about half.
- As always, taste as you go, and feel free to add yummy extras like sautéed mushrooms and peppers!
Try freezing a few batches to use throughout the winter. Check out more details, and our favorite recipe for another tomato-y favorite, Caprese Salad, on the blog!
4. YEARBOOK
In early August, MomsRising North Carolina member Kelle organized a screening of the film Cafeteria Man for friends and family in her home. Participants said, “We need healthier food for all, but it makes such a difference when children learn healthy food habits early.” And “Had a great time - thank you for sharing the info & inviting us. My kidlet loved the fruit kabobs!” Great job, Kelle and the North Carolina team!!
Be sure to sign up for the Good Food Force to get these updates delivered straight to your inbox!
Good Food Force (GFF) Volunteers are real-life superheroes who take action in their schools and communities, and/or on their blogs and online networks, to get the word out about healthy school foods, junk food marketing to kids, and strategies that are working to reduce childhood obesity. Together with MomsRising.org staff, they help advocate for healthier kids and families. Help spread the word! Contact us: karen@momsrising.org
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