Harvest of the Month
Hey, it's May! It's time to start promoting the May monthly themes. May is National Bike Month. Biking is a wonderful way to be active and to include the whole family in some outdoor pedaling fun. It also helps the environment by lowering air pollution and traffic. Check out the tips below for more information about biking and eating better on a budget. Using EatFresh.org, you can also find great recipes using May’s Harvest of the Month, berries.
May themes
Nutrition: Eating Better on a Budget
Harvest of the Month: Berries
Physical Activity: Biking
Eating Better on a Budget
Get the most out of your food budget. There are many ways to save money on the foods that you eat. The three main steps are planning before you shop, purchasing the items at the best price, and preparing meals that stretch your food dollars.
Here are some tips for stretching your food dollars:
- Buy in season.
- Buy in bulk.
- Compare brands.
- Plan your meals ahead of time, make a grocery list, and stick to your list.
- Check the local newspaper, online, and at the store for sales and coupons.
- Take inventory of what you may already have before heading to the store.
Additional resources:
- Eating Healthy on a Budget
- MyPlate - Meal Planning
- MyPlate – Make a Plan
- MyPlate - Grocery Shopping
- Create a Grocery Game Plan Grocery List
- MyPlate - Shop Smart
- Shop Simple with MyPlate App
- MyPlate Grocery Store Bingo
Harvest of the Month: Berries
A half-cup of berries – like blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries – is a good source of vitamin C and fiber. Berries are not just for breakfast. Try them in a fruit salad at any meal or snack.
Featured recipes:
To change the language of the recipe, please visit EatFresh.org, and type the recipe name in the search bar. Use the globe icon at the top right corner and select what language you desire.
- Mixed Berry Crisp – Try this recipe next breakfast, snack, or dessert!
- Berries with Banana Cream – Try this delightful bowl of nutrients and flavor at your next dessert!
Additional berry facts and recipes:
- Discover Foods - Berries
- EatFresh.org - Berries
- Berries – 5 Ways
- Season Produce Guide – What’s in Season? Strawberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries
Energize Your Body with Biking
Biking is a form of aerobic physical activity, which can help to increase your chances of living longer, decrease your risk of many serious health problems, maintain or get to a healthy weight, and decrease your chances of becoming depressed. It also strengthens bones, muscles, and joints; reduces arthritis and disability; improves mental health and mood; and prevents falls in older adults. Biking isn't just a great way to get physical activity. It can also be used as a form of transportation and helps reduce air pollution. It's also a lot of fun! Adults need at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. Children and teens need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
Here are some tips for getting started with biking:
- Use your bike for fun and as a form of transportation.
- Always wear a helmet and bright clothing.
- Be sure your bike is in good working condition by checking tires, brakes, chain, and other moving parts.
- Bike with a friend or family member around your neighborhood or local trail.
Additional resources:
- Bike to Wherever Days - May 2024
- Walk and Bike Events - Public Health - County of Santa Clara (sccgov.org)
- Santa Clara County Parks
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
- California Bicycle Coalition
- Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
Healthy Communities Branch
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