Fall Recipe Inspiration

  Pumpkin spice might be the official flavor of fall, but there are other seasonal foods that deserve a spot on your menu. Root veggies, winter squash, leafy greens, apples, pears, and more are in season in fall. As the nights cool off and the days get shorter, comfort food is back on the menu.… Continue Reading Fall Recipe Inspiration

Safe Temperatures for Food

Just like us, bacteria need food and water to grow and multiply. They also need a comfortable living environment, not too cold and not too hot. Bacteria that cause food borne illnesses are commonly found in foods we eat. So how do we keep this food safe to eat? By making it hard for bacteria… Continue Reading Safe Temperatures for Food

Stretching and Flexibility Training for Fitness

There are four types of physical activities that we should perform for overall fitness – aerobic (cardio) exercise, strength (resistance) training, balance exercises, and flexibility training. Cardio and strength training are emphasized a lot, but balance and flexibility are just as important. Flexibility exercises maintain or improve the range of motion in our joints, allowing… Continue Reading Stretching and Flexibility Training for Fitness

Packed lunches for busy families

Summer is coming to an end and students are heading back to school. Despite the improvements in the quality of school meals in recent years, some families prefer to pack their own lunches. Unfortunately, many packed lunches don’t match up to the nutrition standards of school lunches. Many common packed lunches provide too much sodium,… Continue Reading Packed lunches for busy families

Price of Food at Farmers Markets

Farmers markets offer a wide variety of fresh, local fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats, baked goods and more. The quality of produce is generally unbeatable, as most fruits and veggies are picked at the peak of ripeness just days or even hours before you buy them. And many farmers selling at the market follow organic practices.… Continue Reading Price of Food at Farmers Markets

Farmers Market Resources

National Farmers Market Week starts Sunday, August 6th. This week highlights the important role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system. Last year, $20.2 million of SNAP funds were used at farmers markets in the United States, helping families buy fresh, healthy food and support their local farmers. Right here in Virginia, we have… Continue Reading Farmers Market Resources

Build Your Own Salad

Are you tired of trying to make sure your family eats enough veggies? Salads can be a fun, tasty, and budget-friendly way to add more vegetables into your family’s meals. The great part about salads is that you can choose your family’s favorite foods. This may include leftovers from last night’s dinner, or items you… Continue Reading Build Your Own Salad

Build Your Own Pasta Dish

Recipes can be hard to follow and take a lot of time. Recipes leave you with ingredients that are hard to use again, too. Keep staple ingredients on hand and build a #BetterPantry that will save you time and money. Remembering just a few simple tips will help you make quick and tasty meals. For… Continue Reading Build Your Own Pasta Dish