August 2020-Volume 1-Issue 11
SNAP-Ed News & Updates
SNAP-Ed is a FREE, confidential nutrition education program that helps families manage food resources during tough economic times. The Extension Nutrition Team of knowledgeable nutrition educators provide practical, hands-on activities and skills for healthy meal prep, as well as explore the importance of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle for the community members in the North Country.

Visit our website for more recipes and tips for eating healthy for yourself and your family.
Back to School Lunches and Snacks
School is right around the corner! This year, things are very different than prior years. Students will be in school some days and “learning from home” other days. That means thinking a little more about lunches and snacks.
 
Keep in mind, schools do offer lunches. If that is the option you are choosing, remember to fill out the Free or Reduced School Meals form when it is sent home.
 
If sending a lunch or snack from home, or providing lunches and snacks at home, here are a few tips that can be helpful!

  • Food safety is important! Send foods so cold foods stay cold by using an insulated lunch bag and hot foods stay hot by using a thermos.
  • Plan ahead! Look at store flyers and plan lunches and snacks around what is on sale that week. Making a grocery list helps insure you will not only provide healthier lunches and snacks, but you are saving money at the same time!
  • Keep it in balance! For a lunch, try to include as many food groups as possible
  • If you are using canned, prepackaged, or frozen fruits and vegetables, try to buy the “low salt” or “no salt” canned vegetables and the fruits with no sugar added or in 100% juice.
  • For snacks, try to have at least two food groups in each snack and make one of those groups a vegetable or fruit!
 
Having a well balanced lunch and a healthy snack will help your student stay focused in school or learning from home!
Recipe of the Week
Crunchy Vegetable Wraps
Full of fresh and colorful veggies, these wraps are a great way to help meet your MyPlate goal of making half of your plate fruits and vegetables. For extra health benefits, vary your veggies. Certain colors provide different nutrients, so it’s good to eat a variety of colors. These can be fresh, frozen, canned, or dried. See what produce is in season in your area and follow along with this recipe.
 
Find the full recipe and nutrition facts by clicking HERE
rainbow-school-children.jpg
For the Kids...
Snacking on Fruits and Vegetables
There are so many delicious vegetables out there! Varying your vegetables by eating from the vegetable rainbow will help keep you healthy and strong!

As kids are heading back into the school year, consider how their lunches and snacks can incorporate more color by making half of their plate fruit and vegetables!
Sign up for Benefits now!
The Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. it can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet.

To find out more about SNAP Benefits and other assistance program you may be eligible for visit:
If you need help applying for SNAP, call or email a Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) Coordinator. NOEP Coordinators tell you if you may be eligible for SNAP, answer any questions you may have, and help you complete and submit your application. It is free and confidential.

Clinton -Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Inc.- 518-563-4022 x112
Franklin- Maximizing Independent Living Center -518-483-2151
Jefferson- Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County, Inc. -315-955-9319
St. Lawrence- Maximizing Independent Living Center- 315-764-9442 x405
This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP.

If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing information in this newsletter or need materials in an alternate format, contact bmr37@cornell.edu for assistance.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.