K-State Research and Extension

search

Tag: Nutrition

Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Posted on by djbechard

Low-income Kansas seniors may be eligible for a program that provides checks to purchase fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables and honey at farmers markets in selected counties throughout the state.

The Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (KSFMNP) is providing low-income seniors who meet age and income requirements with $35 in checks to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey from authorized farmers at local participating farmers markets, June 1 through November 1, 2022. Checks are available in $5 increments.

To be eligible to receive KSFMNP checks, the following criteria must be met:

  1. Age: A senior must be 60 years old or older, or at least 55 years old and a member of an Indian Tribal Organization, on the day the money is issued.
  2. Income level: A senior’s annual gross household income (before taxes are withheld) must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. For example, a household of one must have an annual gross income at or below $25,142, or a monthly gross income at or below $2,096.

Applications for the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be available starting on June 1st, at any Post Rock Extension District office. Seniors may apply on-site from 8:00a.m. – 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday.  Funds are limited and benefits will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the Kansas Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, call your local Post Rock Extension District office.

Eligible foods to purchase with the KSFMNP checks from authorized farmers at participating farmers markets are defined as “fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, locally produced honey and herbs for human consumption that are produced in Kansas under normal growing conditions.”

The Senior Farmers’ Market Program is a project of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The program is coordinated by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), which is collaborating with local partners to identify and distribute checks to eligible seniors.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

By: Ashley Svaty

Do You Eat Enough Fiber?

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

More than 90 percent of women and 97 percent of men in the U.S. do not meet recommended intakes for dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is a complex form of carbohydrate. Several decades of studies have confirmed the health benefits of eating a fiber-rich diet. Only plant foods contain fiber and diets containing fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and improve regularity.

Ways to boost fiber in your diet:

  • Eat more legumes such as dried beans, lentils and split peas.
  • Choose romaine lettuce or spinach instead of iceberg lettuce.
  • Include fruits such as berries for breakfast or snacks.
  • Enjoy 100% whole-wheat or whole-grain bread.
  • Choose breakfast cereals that have a whole grain listed as the first ingredient.
  • Eat the skins on fruits and vegetables, such as apples and potatoes.
  • Substitute whole grain flour for ½ of the all-purpose flour in recipes.
  • Snack on dried fruit, popcorn, whole grain crackers or fresh vegetables.

Source: UNL Fitting in The Fiber & KSRE More Plants On the Plate

By: Ashley Svaty

Career Opportunity to Serve the Post Rock District as a Nutrition Educator

Posted on by Marci Metz

K-State Research and Extension is currently looking for a motivated individual to join our team! We are looking for someone to join our enthusiastic team as a Nutrition Educator. This individual will primarily serve Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne and Smith Counties in the Post Rock District as well as Phillips and Rooks Counties in the Phillips-Rooks District.

A Nutrition Educator serves to meet the Kansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education mission. Commonly known as SNAP-Ed, this nutrition education program is provided at no cost to Kansas families with limited resources. Our goal is to provide nutrition education and promote, implement and support initiatives for policy system and environmental changes to improve dietary quality, enhance food resource management skills, prevent obesity and increase physical activity.

We’re looking for a team member with knowledge of and experience working with limited resource families, diverse audiences and subject matter background. Written and verbal communication skills, such as confidence speaking in front of groups and facilitating meetings is important. The ideal candidate will work alongside supportive and passionate community partners and our local K-State Research and Extension team to extend quality educational experiences through direct education and promote community health in the region through public health approaches.

Learn more or apply: http://careers.k-state.edu/cw/en-us/job/507049/nutrition-educator?fbclid=IwAR0rb62k_gBgkWkZR6qt6G41ITHISmxpH29HrcvQSptUgP2_5vy6Q7dQDZA

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees.

By:  Nora Rhoades

Start Simple with My Plate

Posted on by Marci Metz

Healthy eating can happen with one step at a time. It can be simple!

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a new initiative to help consumers meet their health goals. It is called Start Simple with MyPlate.

Focus on whole fruits. Add fruit to a bowl of cereal for breakfast or grab one for an easy snack.  Don’t forget that canned and frozen fruits are great choices when your favorite fresh fruit is not available.

Vary your veggies and think colorfully! Dark green, red, orange, yellow and other colorful veggies add lots of good nutrients to any meal or snack. Prepare extra veggies for a side dish or to use in soup or pasta.

Make half your grains whole grains. This message still holds true! Choose 100% whole grain bread, pasta, crackers, or cereal.

Vary your protein routine. Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, legumes are beneficial. Don’t forget to serve veggies and whole grains with your protein choice!

Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods compliment any meal. Be a role model for kids to show dairy foods are healthy!

Learn more at www.choosemyplate.gov/start-simple-myplate.

By:  Ashley Svaty

Back to School Tips

Posted on by Marci Metz

Whether you are making your own lunch for work or packing your child’s school lunch, keep these tips in mind for a safe and nutritious to-go meal!

  • Keep it cold and safe. Choose an insulated lunchbox, or always pack an ice pack if the contents contain an item that needs to stay cold.
  • Focus on colorful vegetables. Pack more dark green, red, and orange vegetables. Pack a healthy dip such as hummus to add more flavor and fun.
  • Fuel up with fruits. Choose whole fruits or fruit packed in 100% juice. Oranges, pears, peaches, berries, and unsweetened applesauce are a few great choices that will easily fit into a lunch box.
  • Shoot for whole grains. Choose whole grain foods, such as whole-wheat bread and whole wheat tortillas or crackers.
  • Pack Calcium-rich foods. Choose low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese for your child. Remember to keep these foods cold.
  • Vary the protein and healthy fats. Peanut butter, tuna, or a lean turkey sandwich are great to pack for lunch. Nuts or a hard-boiled egg are also great.

By:  Ashley Svaty

Local Foods Survey

Posted on by Marci Metz

The North Central Kansas Food Council is an organization that advocates for enhanced quality of life for all residents through sustainable access to regional produced food options, economic opportunity, and educational resources. In the effort to conduct a food assessment in North Central Kansas, the Council is seeking your input about local foods in your community and the 12-county region. This 20-question survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Your feedback is valuable and we appreciate you taking the time to help support local foods!

www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCKFCSurvey

By:  Ashley Svaty