BLUBERRIES TAKE THE LEAD!

Tis the season.....for berries, especially blueberries!!! With flavors that range from mildly sweet to tart and tangy, blueberries are nutritional stars bursting with nutrition and flavor . This is the time to eat blueberries because they are at their best. The blueberry season can last from May through October. In New Hampshire, July is prime picking time.

Blueberries have been called a “super” food for so many reasons. Want to retain your memory? Lower your risk factors for some cancers? How about a great natural source of antioxidants for optimum health? Research in Canada and the USA supports evidence that blueberries are powerful disease fighters. Blueberries have been ranked number one in antioxidant activity over 40 other tested fruits and vegetables. In fact, eating a cup of blueberries a day reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease -- according to a new study. ... New findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that eating 150g (about 1 cup) of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 15 percent.

We now know that blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants, substances that can slow the aging process and reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Blueberries are a particularly rich source of antioxidants called anthocyanins (also contained in apples, grapes, blackberries, radishes, and red cabbage). Several studies suggest anthocyanins discourage blood clots from forming, warding off heart attacks. They also appear to improve night vision and to slow macular degeneration by strengthening tiny blood vessels in the back of the eye. Blueberries have also been associated with improving short term memory loss, promoting urinary tract health, improved metabolism of glucose (type of sugar), and reducing the risk of some types of cancers.

For just 40 calories in a ½-cup serving, blueberries offer a great lineup of nutrients like potassium and iron, as well as being a an excellent source of Vitamin C. And let’s not forget that blueberries also provide dietary fiber, two grams in each ½-cup serving which equals the amount of fiber in a slice of whole wheat bread so make sure to take the whole family blueberry picking this summer.

BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS:
1 - 6 ounce container non-fat blueberry yogurt
(Try Greek for a thicker consistency!)
1/2 cup apple juice
1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/3 cup frozen sliced peaches
5-6 ice cubes

DIRECTIONS:

1. Place yogurt, apple juice, blueberries and peaches in blender.
2. Add ice cubes.
3. Blend ingredients until smooth.
4. Serve immediately

Makes 2 servings.


Courtesy of Oregon Blueberry Commission , US Highbush Blueberry Council, American Cancer Institute for Research, and USDA

GET MOVING MANCHESTER 2019 WINNING SCHOOLS

School Food and Nutrition Services is proud to announce our Get Moving Manchester program winning schools! Congratulations to Parker Varney and Highland Goffe's Falls Elementary Schools for having the highest participation for all 4 weeks of the program.

Get Moving Manchester is a 4-week nutrition and physical activity school based program for students in grades 3-5. The program began on Monday, March 18 and ended on Friday, April 12. 

Get Moving Manchester demonstrates how parents, guardians and teachers can play a major role in influencing the overall health and wellness of our children/students. By making smart choices together, parents and teachers can set an example for a healthy lifestyle. Research shows that children’s behaviors are learned through the observation of others.

The program was made possible by our sponsors: Manchester School Food and Nutrition Services, Catholic Medical Center, Dartmouth Hitchcock Manchester, Anthem, Anagnost Inc., Palace Theatre, Fisher Cats and Bike Barn.

Whole Grain Apple Cranberry Stuffing

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, hot
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped celery
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and finely chopped
6 cups day-old whole grain baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 large eggs, scrambled
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 dried sage leaf, chopped



Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 11-inch oval baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Combine the broth and cranberries in a small bowl and let soak for 30 minutes. Saute the celery and onions in the butter in a large skillet until tender, 5 minutes. Add the apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and transfer to a large bowl.
Place the baguette cubes into a largebowl. Pour the broth and cranberries over. Pour in the eggs, and then add the salt, poultry seasoning, pepper, cinnamon and sage and mix together.
Mix in the onion and celery mixture. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared dish and bake until the center is set, 35 to 40 minutes.

GO B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

EASY BANANA BREAD RECIPE

(makes one loaf)

4 bananas, mashed

1 1/2 cups flour  (try mixing half whole wheat or almond flour too!)

1/4 cup butter or nut butter

1/4 cup applesauce

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten or 1 egg & 2 egg whites

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, combine bananas, applesauce and softened butter. Add eggs, vanilla and mix. Add sugar and baking soda. Add flour and mix well. Pour mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake for an hour or until toothpick comes clean.

10 WAYS TO USE RIPE BANANAS 

Banana bread, banana muffins, banana chips, banana with cereal, frozen banana pop, banana smoothie, chocolate covered banana, banana milkshake, banana with cereal, peanut butter & banana sandwich

New Hampshire Farmers Markets

Make New Hampshire Farmers Markets part of your weekly shopping routine! Farmers markets are a great way to purchase seasonal, fresh, and affordable food items as well as support your local community. Starting in June, many farmers markets will be in full swing.  Here are some tips for shopping at a farmers market:

1. Purchase fresh produce for snacks or meals.

2. Visit all the stands. Many farmers will be selling the same produce, find the best quality and price by visiting each of them.

3. Talk to the farmer. They might have ideas on food preparation/ storage.

4. Bring your children. Introduce your children to healthy food choices.

5. Beware of the sweets. Farmers markets often are filled with baked goods including homemade cookies and donuts… but that doesn’t make them healthy choices!


Plus, as an added bonus many farmers markets participate in Double the Value of SNAP/EBT fruit and vegetable purchases. This means $5.00 SNAP/EBT will purchase $10.00!

For more information on Manchester Farmer’s Markets visit: http://manchesternhfarmersmarket.com

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM PROMOTES FRUITS & VEGGIES FOR STUDENTS

Now that the school year is in full swing, so is School Food and Nutrition Services. The US Dietary Guidelines and the US Department of Agriculture encourage at least 5 fruits and veggies a day for kids. School Food and Nutrition Services is doing just that with this colorful display of fruits and vegetables at lunch. Take a look!

Healthy Apple Crisp

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup all-purpose flour (can do 1/2 whole wheat flour)

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/3 cup regular oats

1/4 teaspoon ground pumpkin pie spice

1/4 cup chilled butter

3 tablespoons chopped walnuts

7 cups sliced peeled apples

2 TBSP maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, oats, and 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture is crumbly. Stir in walnuts.

3. Combine apple and remaining ingredients in a large bowl; toss well. Spoon apple mixture into an 8-inch square baking dish or 1 1/2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with crumb mixture. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts - Amount per serving—Calories: 208, Fat: 7.1g, Saturated fat: 3.4g, Protein: 1.8g Carbohydrate: 36.5g, Fiber: 2.3g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 58mg

An Apple a Day!

AN APPLE A DAY.... APPLES REALLY ARE GOOD FOR YOU!

Eating fresh apples is always good for you, but to get the full nutritional benefits associated with eating apples you should eat at least one fresh apple every day. The average U.S. consumer eats about 19 pounds of fresh apples a year — about one apple per week. 

WHOLE-BODY HEALTH BENEFITS

Lower blood cholesterol, improved bowel function, reduced risk of stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. The disease-fighting profile of apples provides a multitude of health benefits, including a potential decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. Several recent studies suggest apples may provide a "whole-body" health benefit. A number of components in apples, most notably fiber and phytonutrients have been found in studies to lower blood cholesterol and improve bowel function, and may be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, prostate cancer, type II diabetes and asthma. Findings indicate that two apples a day or 12 ounces of 100% apple juice reduced the damaging effects of the “bad” LDL cholesterol. 

CANCER PREVENTION

Over the past four years, apple consumption has been linked with reduced cancer risk in several studies. A 2001 Mayo Clinic study indicated that quercetin, a flavonoid abundant in apples, helps prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells. A Cornell University study indicated phytochemicals in the skin of an apple inhibited the reproduction of colon cancer cells by 43 percent. The National Cancer Institute has reported that foods containing flavonoids like those found in apples may reduce the risk of lung cancer by as much as 50 percent.