June 2023

Mobile Market is Back!

Join the Needham Community Farm and the Council food pantry right in your back yard beginning June 6th. With a wide range of vegetables and expanded food choices, stop in at one of these locations!

Capt. Robert Cook Drive

Tuesdays, 5pm - 5:30pm

Seabeds

Tuesday 5:30pm - 6pm

Linden & Chambers

(Farm Only)

Friday 3 pm - 3:30 pm

ALL Food Pantry customers are welcome at ANY of these locations!

Summer Hours Changes

As we move into summer we have a number of changes to our hours, Please plan your food pantry visits early to ensure a time that works well for you!

Office & Thrift

Closing at noon on Fridays

for

Summer Hours

Office, Thrift & Food Pantry

Closed

Monday, June 19th

for

Juneteenth

Food Pantry

Closed

July 2nd - July 8th

for the

Fourth of July

It's Leafy Green Season

Make them last longer with these tips!

Storing Leafy Greens

· Refrigerate unwashed.

· Seal in zip-top plastic bags.

As the farmer’s season starts, we get an opportunity to get fresh leafy greens for crisp salads or lighter foods in general. Stored properly, the greens can stay in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Excess moisture causes leafy greens to rot faster in the fridge. Because of this, most experts recommend keeping these vegetables unwashed until you’re ready to use them. However, if you prefer prewashing so your greens are ready to use, wrap them in a clean towel, paper towel, or butcher paper to absorb the excess moisture. To get the longest life out of your leafy greens, remove and discard any brown or slimy leaves and then store the rest in a zip-top bag or other airtight container.

Storing Leafy Herbs

(Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Mint, Dill, Chives, Tarragon)

For basil, trim basil roots, put them in a glass of water, cover loosely with a plastic bag and store at room temperature. For all others, including cilantro, parsley, and mint, remove the rubber band holding the bunch together. The rubber band causes the stems to break down, which leads to quicker decay. From there, wrap loosely in damp paper towels and store in the fridge in a resealable bag. Use them within one week (depending on the type and freshness of the bunch).

Storing Woody Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Lavender)

Woody herbs will last a couple of weeks stored in a damp paper towel in a resealable plastic bag.

Walk 'n Talk for English Language Learners

All Levels! Free

Join other learners and tutors for a casual Walk & Talk around Needham.

Tuesday, June 6th

Tuesday, June 27th

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Meet at the Council at 570 Hillside Avenue

Free. This is a chance to meet others and learn from each other. Adult English language learners and fluent English speakers are invited to chat while enjoying the fresh air. All levels welcome! We will walk for about 60 minutes and return to our starting point. These walks are led by dedicated ELL volunteer, Beth Crastnopol.

Tech & Tutor

Community Room

Coffee Talks

Wednesday, June 7 at 11 am,

Linden/Chambers Community Room

Wednesday, June 14 at 11 am,

Seabeds Community Room

Stacey will demo tips and tricks on Needham Community Council's Fire Tablet. Learn how to reserve your food pantry pickup time, access your email, pay your rent online, and how to access local news and information. Don't have a tablet? Order one from Stacey while she's there! Please come enjoy refreshments and learn more about this free program.

Extracurricular Scholarship

Money Available

With the help of two generous donors, the Needham Community Council is expanding the Extra-Curricular Scholarship program to assist with the cost of your students' activities. Whether it's music, clubs, athletics or driver's education, we may be able to help.

If you've applied before, you may be eligible for a renewal of your scholarship. Please complete a new application and submit it to the office.

Questions - call 781-444-2415

Details and How to Apply

What you need to know about SNAP

More About SNAP

The last state-funded extra SNAP benefits will be distributed on June 2.

This means that starting in July 2023, you will only receive the benefit amount that you originally qualified for, based on a number of factors including your household size, monthly income and certain expenses.

If you're confused about what this means for your SNAP benefits, you’re not alone. Click the button to the left for more information.

It's Not Too Late To Make a Splash!

Park & Rec Pool Passes and

Discounted Classes

Pool Brochure

Other Summer Programs Brochure

Email Parks & Rec

Set Up an Account (ONLY if you do NOT already have one)

Spring and Summer recreation is just around the corner. Our Food Pantry customers may qualify for discount summer programs, including the Pool Passes through Needham Parks & Recreation.

Steps to getting a pool pass and discounted classes:

Get a referral letter from our office by calling the office at 781-444-2415 or emailing office@needhamcouncil.org

Browse the class options and pool details

Email, phone or or go in-person to the Rosemary Pool complex to sign up. parkandrecreation@needhamma.gov

If you do not not already have a Parks & Rec account, you will need to set one up.

There are a limited number of pool passes and classes available. Please contact Park & Rec for details.

Memberships are all digital that can be stored on an electronic device.

Thank you for Reading!

Enter to Win a Gift Card Here

Yes! We are still excited to have you reading the newsletter and want to reward you with a gift card! Continue to read and enter to win - each month 10 lucky customers will win a gift card to a local business.

Winners will be notified via email around the 10th of the month.

Plan Your Next Food Pantry Visit

HOURS CHANGES - Mark Your Calendars

Food Pantry will be CLOSED Monday, June 19th for Juneteenth

and July 3rd - 8th for the Fourth of July

SCHEDULE YOUR FOOD PANTRY VISITS NOW

New spots become available typically on the 3rd Friday of the Month, sign up early for best selection.

Highlight on Spring Greens

Arugula Salad with Lemon

Balsamic Dressing

1/2 pound arugula

1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes washed and halved

1 whole medium lemon zested

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

5 to 6 turns freshly ground black pepper

In a large salad or mixing bowl, combine arugula, halved grape tomatoes and the zest of an entire medium lemon.

In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper together until well mixed.

When ready to serve, pour dressing over salad, toss until well coated, serve and Enjoy!

Scrambled Eggs with Wilted Arugula & Parmesan

Power up your breakfast!

2 eggs

1 tablespoon milk

1 tablespoon parmesan cheese

healthy pinch of salt

healthy pinch of pepper

1 tablespoon butter

1/3 cup arugula, roughly chopped

In a small bowl, beat eggs, milk, cheese, salt and pepper until thoroughly mixed. Place butter in a non-stick skillet and turn heat on low. Prep the arugula by running a knife over it, roughly chopping.

Once butter has melted, pour the eggs into the pan. Slowly run a spatula through the eggs, scraping the bottom of the pan. When the eggs come together but are still creamy and soft, add the arugula. Continue to cook until arugula has wilted and eggs are cooked.

To serve, garnish with some more parmesan over the top.