AUGUST 2018
Page 10
HEALTH AND WELNESS
EAT THROUGH THE SEASONS
I
t’s hard to beat the pure
goodness of a crisp, juicy slice
of watermelon or the burst
of a blueberry in the heat of the
summer. Similarly, there’s something
genuinely comforting in pumpkin
pie, and sweet potato casserole
as the temperatures cool down in
the autumn. As pleasant as these
associations are, many of us base
our meals off of what we’re in the
mood for or what’s in the back of our
freezer, rather than what is currently
growing in abundance.
Here in Georgia, we have distinct
seasons, meaning we can feast on
a variety of fruits and vegetables
that change throughout the year.
Personally, I find this much more
interesting! There are many benefits
to planning our menus this way,
including economics, health, and
taste.
or a season when there are fewer, the
prices are higher. Furthermore, if you
buy what is in season in Georgia,
you’re not paying for all the logistics
that go into getting your food shipped
Support Georgia Farmers: In a from California or faraway countries.
local food impact study, the University
of Georgia Center for Agribusiness Greater Variety: In nutrition,
and Economic Development states we frequently talk about “eating
that if every household spent $10 a rainbow” for optimal health.
on Georgia produce each week, we One way to do this is to follow the
would add $1.9 billion back into our seasons. The tomatoes, corn, berries,
state’s economy. A small change in and cherries that grow in the summer
buying behavior would make a huge are very different from the hearty
difference to farmers and the state.
greens, winter squash and citrus fruits
that grow best in the winter. Healthy
Better Taste and Nutrition: Have eating is never boring because of the
you ever bit into a slice of tomato variety of the seasons. It also helps us
that was pale and flavorless in the stay grounded and connected to the
colder months? I know I have. As changes in climate and our cultural
tempting (and easy) as it is to get traditions like summer barbecues,
out-of-season produce shipped in fall soups, and holiday feasts.
from another climate, foods just
have more flavor when they have the Not sure what’s in season? Check
right conditions to grow and travel a out Food e-Talk on Facebook for
smaller distance. Fresh produce also a graphic for each month! You can
deteriorates in vitamin content each also look up the Georgia Organics
day it’s stored at room temperature or Harvest Calendar for a glimpse at
in the refrigerator.
the whole year. August is the perfect
time for green beans, blueberries,
Lower Cost for You and the peaches, cucumbers and much more,
Environment: When things are so eat up!
in season, the rules of supply and
demand frequently come into play.
By MaryBeth Hornbeck
When there are lots of peaches,
Rockdale County FACS Agent
they’re going to be cheaper. In a year
ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCE AIMED AT IMPROVING NUTRITION
By Austin H. Childers
FOR LOW-INCOME POPULATIONS
The University of Georgia
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program Education (UGA SNAP-
Ed) offers online nutrition education
classes, known as “Food eTalk,” to
all Georgia residents free of charge.
Developed by faculty and staff
from the College of Family and
Consumer Sciences (FACS) and UGA
Cooperative Extension, Food eTalk
is an innovative online e-Learning
nutrition education program adapted
from the “Food Talk” classes taught
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by UGA Extension in communities
across the state. Food eTalk is a self-
paced program that is accessible to
anyone with an internet connection
and can be used on computer, laptop,
tablet, or smartphone. Users who
successfully complete the plan will
receive proof of completion and
may claim educational extenders,
such as cutting boards, measuring
cups, pedometers, exercise bands
and a water bottle from their local
UGA Extension office.
servings, and how to plan meals and
shopping trips to save money.
“The great thing about Food eTalk
is that people can use it anywhere,
at any time,” said Sarah Stotz, a
dietitian who was closely involved
in its development. She also said,
“Between work, kids and other
priorities in our busy lives, it can be
hard to make it to in-person classes
sometimes.”
“We have a great need for this
type of program in the state of
Georgia, and we have a capacity
to meet that need,” said Jung Sun
Lee, an associate professor who
serves as principal investigator
for UGA SNAP-Ed. “We have
seen positive reception of our
program so far, and are working
towards providing additional new
resources in the future,” he said. Food eTalk was developed by UGA
SNAP-Ed for eligible Georgians
but is open to all Georgia residents
interested in free ideas on how to eat
healthy and live an active lifestyle
on a budget. Those interested in
Food eTalk classes may enroll
for free at www.foodtalk.org. For
more information, please contact
MaryBeth Hornbeck, FACS agent in
Rockdale County at 770-278-7373 or
[email protected].
Food eTalk uses interactive
games and videos to cover topics
like how to make healthy choices
when dining out, adapt traditional
Southern recipes to reduce
sodium and increase vegetable This material was funded by
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP). This
in