Nutrition Resources

The Michigan Nutrition Network helps us put our vision into action.  They are a wonderful partner as well as a one stop shop for nutrition information.  

Here are some tips incorporating more fruits and vegetables in your family.  The page includes recipes (see below), a healthy grocery list, and a handout on how to prepare cheap and healthy meals.   

Part of our mission at the SLCDA is to provide you with easy child friendly recipes that will enable you to incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your families everyday meals.  These are some fun and healthy recipes that you can cook with your kids.  We encourage you to cook with your family at least one day a week; not only does it promote that oh so precious family time, but it also allows you to pass along cooking skills and healthy eating habits.  

Do you remember the old Food Pyramid from elementary school? Thats ok, neither do we! What you should know is that it has changed and the new pyramid is not longer one size fits all. MyPyramid.gov offers new food pyramids for preschoolers, young children, and even pregnant mothers.

Eating Local

The Michigan growing season extends from May until September, that means summer and fall are the best time of year to eat locally produced farm fresh foods.  Eating local provides many health benefits (including consumption of fewer pesticides and hormones), environmental benefits (reducing your carbon footprint because locally produced travels fewer miles), and improves community relations. The following chart depicts the economic benefit of shopping local:

Chart courtesy of Capital Area Local First. 

Lansing Area Locavore is your one stop shop for food products in the Lansing area. 

East Lansing Food Co-op is a natural food grocery offering organic produce, milk and meats. 

Michivore is a resource for local food news. 

Culinate celebrates local food products and the community of food.

Locavore has resources for all things local. 

Youth Garden Coalition provides information and support to those looking to establish community gardens. 

Edible Wow seeks to connect, inspire and engage you to embrace the growers, artisans, stores and restaurants devoted to our region’s (south and central michigan) local flavors and culinary traditions.

Shopping Tips

• Plan your meal at the market. Go to the market, and get inspired. Learn to shop and eat "seasonally."
• Use your senses to find the best items. Smell, touch (gently) and taste.
• Talk to the producer. Get invaluable information on even the most common fruits and vegetables.
• Buy a new item every once in a while. Ask the person next to you or the farmer to give you some ideas on how to use it. Or trust your intuition and take it home, taste it raw, steam, roast, grill or stir-fry whatever is in season. This is one of the keys to creative cooking.
• Get the kids involved. Give them a few dollars and let them buy whatever produce they want and will eat. It's a great way to make them responsible rather than you for eating fruits and vegetables.
• Take your favorite basket or cloth bag. It's sustainable and environmentally friendly.
• Recycle your plastic bags. After each market, tuck them back into your market basket. 
• Bring a friend to the market. introduce someone else to the satisfaction that can be found through the food and community at the Farmers Market.