Nutrition Bites 2020 Vol. 19:0

Fall
In This Issue: 

Staying Safe – Involve Kids in the Kitchen

Recipes and Nutrition Tips – A Quick and Healthy Snack

Physical Activity Tips – Safety Tips When Walking Outdoors

Food Access Resources in Massachusetts – Extended Free Meals for Kids

 

Staying Safe

family cooking together Involving kids in the kitchen can be rewarding for the entire family.

Children of all ages can help in the kitchen with various tasks. Use the following tips as a guide for teaching age-appropriate kitchen skills to your child.

  • Teach 2-5 year olds how to wash their hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds, wipe the counter or table, and how to rinse fruits and vegetables under cool, running water.
  • Show 6-7 year olds how to measure ingredients, set the table, or load the dishwasher properly.
  • Demonstrate how to use a peeler to peel washed fruits and vegetables to 8-9 year olds. Discuss food safety and place leftovers in shallow contains and refrigerate within two hours
  • Instruct 10-12 year olds how to follow a recipe, safely use a microwave or  how to simmer ingredients on the stove. 

Recipes and Nutrition Tips

red apples Apple Cinnamon Wrap and Roll pick-me-up snack.

Looking for a quick and healthy snack that kids can help you prepare? Try this Apple Cinnamon Wrap and Roll recipe. It provides a mix of whole grains, calcium, protein, and fiber.

Apples are in season from September to early November in Massachusetts and can be purchased at your local orchard. Apples have a long shelf life and are great for baking during the fall season. If you’re looking for more fruit inspired treats, click the recipe link. https://video.link/w/9qUqb

 

 

Physical Activity Tips

woman walking with headphones Stay Safe when Walking Outside.

When walking outdoors here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe:

  • Check the weather prior to heading out and plan accordingly.
  • Become familiar with landmarks if you are new to the area.
  • Stay on the sidewalks and if none are available, watch for and remain visible to oncoming cars.
  • If using headphones, be sure you are able to hear and can still be alert. Avoid walking and texting.
  • Find a partner to walk with.
  • If walking at night be sure to dress in light colors and wear something that can reflect light.

 

mulching garden Winterize Your garden.

Winterizing your garden is a break for both you and the soil. The soil that worked so hard to feed the plants in your garden space, needs to be re-energized with nutrients. Here are three simple ways to winterize your garden.

  1. After the first freeze has killed your garden, remove all the dead vegetable and herb plants.
  2. Rake your garden to break up the top layer of soil.
  3. Add a layer of mulch, dry leaves or pine needles. Then, in the spring, rake away the mulch layer.

 

Food Access Resources in Massachusetts

project bread promo USDA Extends Free Meals for Kids Through June 30, 2021.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend several flexibilities through June 30, 2021. The flexibilities allow summer meal programs to continue serving free meals to all children into the school year months. This unprecedented move will help ensure that children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information visit: https://meals4kids.org/find-summer-meal-site