SNAP

For those struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), is a good place to start for assistance. If you meet eligibility requirements (see links below), you could add hundreds of dollars onto your monthly grocery budget. Food stamps can work at select restaurants, grocery stores, convenient stores, farmers markets, etc. They will not however work at fast food joints. SNAP is designed to help families and individuals obtain access to smarter food options within a subsidized budget. For more information, refer to the links below.

Here is the government site to get you started:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap 

This website helps to further break down any eligibility concerns you might have and how to apply for food stamps:
http://www.justharvest.org/get-help/snap-food-stamps/

Using this site, you will be able to find out which stores accept food stamps in your area:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailerlocator

Budgeting Tips for Healthy Eating

Check out this video on how to eat healthy while sticking to a budget

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULLSKPoPYLc

What's in Season

Produce is at its best price and taste when it's in season

The Importance of Healthy Eating

Q: Why do humans need to eat? 
A: In order to obtain energy from the food they consume. 

So doesn't it make sense to fuel our bodies with the healthy choices? The better nutrition we receive, the better our bodies will function. 

Healthy eating has been known to improve focus, attitude, mood, energy levels, attention, immune system, and weight. 

It helps to reduce the risk of: 

• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• obesity
• diabetes
• heart disease
• osteoporosis
• stroke/CVA

It is important to make these nutritious choices to ensure our health and longevity, as well as our quality of life.

Easy Rice & Beans with Sausage

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water 
• 1 cup uncooked brown rice 
• 1 package turkey or chicken sausage, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped 
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove chopped garlic or 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 2 (15 ounce) cans canned kidney beans, drained 
• 1 (16 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped 
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Salt to taste 

Directions:

• In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Then add rice and stir. 
• Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.

• Over low heat in a large skillet, cook sausage for 5 minutes. 
• Stir in green pepper, onion, and garlic, and stir until tender. 
• Pour in beans and tomatoes (with juice). 
• Season with oregano, salt and pepper. 
• Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. 
• Serve over rice and enjoy.

Dessert: fruit with greek yogurt or over 1 scoop of Turkey Hill no sugar added vanilla bean

Plate Proportions

Apples are voted kids' favorite fruit, but not just the kids should be eating them. Berries, citrus fruits, pears, bananas, plums, peaches, melons, etc. are great options to incorporate into your meal or for dessert. Although not as nutritious, frozen fruits and vegetables are generally less expensive and can be easy to store and use.
Brown rice, beans, and meat (optional) are a great, easy way to work in protein, vegetables, and grains for a good price. Many cultures view rice and beans as a staple, which is great because beans are full of protein, high in fiber, low in fat, contain antioxidants, and help lower cholesterol,
Dairy can be worked in at any point of the meal. You can have cheese as an appetizer, a glass of milk, a yogurt after dinner, etc. (Tip: put Yoplait whips in the freezer to make "ice cream.")