THE BENEFITS OF STAYING ACTIVE IN THE SUMMER
Picking fruits and vegetables that are in season from a local farm is a great way to keep the family active... plus it's an adventure that’s fun for the entire family during the summer.

This activity:
  • Is great exercise: With this time, you can burn up to 600 calories by constantly moving.
  • Can be engaging for kids, while keeping them outside and active - and likely good and tired by end of the day.
  • Provides natural Vitamin D from the sun
  • Builds strength
  • Promotes positive mental health
RETHINK YOUR DRINK
Staying active during summer days leads to more consumption of beverages. One thing to keep in mind this summer is your intake of sugary beverages - sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Before adding items into your cart, check the nutrition labels. You would be surprised to see the amount of added sugars in many beverages. Drinking sugary drinks can lead to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cavities.
 
Here are some tricks to Rethink Your Drink
  • Choose water (tap or unsweetened, bottle or sparkling) over sugary drinks.
  • Need more flavor? Add berries or slices of lime, lemon, or cucumber to your water.
  • Missing fizzy drinks? Add a splash of 100% juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing, low-calorie drink.
  • Need help breaking the habit? Don’t stock up on sugary drinks. Instead, keep a jug or bottles of cold water in the fridge.
BLUEBERRY OATMEAL BARS
These delicious bars can be eaten as a ready-to-eat breakfast or as a tasty, sweet dessert. These bars can last up to a week and are only 105 calories each!
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats gluten free if needed
  • 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour or substitute all-purpose flour or, to make gluten free, 1:1 baking flour
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (or substitute melted coconut oil to make vegan/dairy free)
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries* about 10 ounces
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 1/2 small lemon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar divided

Directions:
  1. Place a rack in the center of your oven and heat to 375 degrees F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the paper overhangs two sides like handles.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until it forms clumps and the dry ingredients are evenly moistened. Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumble mixture, then press the rest into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Scatter half of the blueberries over the crust. Sprinkle the cornstarch evenly over the top, then sprinkle on the lemon juice and 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar. Scatter on the remaining berries, then the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar. Sprinkle the reserved crumbs evenly over the top. You will have some fruit showing through.
  4. Bake the bars for 30 to 40 minutes, until the fruit is bubbly and the crumb topping smells toasty and looks golden. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely (you can speed this process along in the refrigerator).

Source: https://www.wellplated.com/blueberry-oatmeal-bars/
HARVEST OF THE MONTH
July is National Blueberry Month!

Blueberries are a great treat to enjoy with the family during the hot summer months. They provide a sweet, savory, and mouthwatering taste while also providing nutritious values.
 
Check out the Benefits!
  • Blueberries are one of the most nutrient-dense berries that are low in calories.
  • Blueberries can help promote heart health, cancer, diabetes management, skin health, and more!
  • Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and are high in potassium and vitamin C.
  • Blueberries help with healthy digestion, weight loss, and feeling full.

Ways to Enjoy
These nutrient-dense sweet treats can be enjoyed in various ways. Fresh is always tasty and eating them frozen is a great way to cool down during summer outings. They are also a great way as toppings to dishes like pancakes, yogurt, and oatmeal, just to name a few.
LOOK FOR FOODS THAT ARE IN SEASON
https://www.thebudgetdiet.com/buy-fruits-and-vegetables-in-season
KIDS CORNER
SNAP CORNER
SNAP provides monetary assistance to supplement the food budget for households that meet the financial and resource requirements.
Foods available under SNAP:
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Breads and cereals
  • Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat

More information about SNAP can be found here!
For questions or assistance, call (336) 422-7758 or email fnsoutreach@secondharvest.org
Second Harvest Food Bank's Nutrition Services is committed to working with low-income families seeking to improve their nutrition and health, partnering with our agency programs and community groups.