Food hardship is not a new dilemma to Americans. Each year, people across the country struggle to afford enough food, and according to a Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) report released this month, food hardship rates are increasing.
 Farmers and farmers markets are essential to communities and food systems. They create jobs, boost the economy, and make nutritious fruits and vegetables more accessible. During National Farmers Market Week, it is vital to recognize the work that farmers and farmers markets do for us each and every day.
 For many children, summer means days at the pool and quality time spent with their families. However, for some children, summer is associated with hunger. With no school for several weeks, many students will be left wondering where their next meal will come from.
With the end of October nearing, National Farm to School Month is also coming to a close. But this doesn’t mean that Farm to School efforts have to end! These programs promote connections between students, schools, and local farmers which should be celebrated and implemented year-round. It's National Farm to School Month, and this week we're celebrating with some of the wonderful numbers behind the movement! Check out our infographic to learn more about farm to school programs, as well as their impact across the country and in our state.
 October is National Farm to School Month, a time to celebrate connections between schools, local farmers, and food. Farm to School Month is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of farm to school programs as a way to improve child nutrition, support local economies, and educate children about the origins of food. September is Hunger Action Month, an opportunity to spread the word, take action on the hunger crisis, and dedicate ourselves to a solution. Join the #HungerActionMonth conversation all month long, and watch our video below for more ways you can make a difference. We traditionally view health as the result of individual choices. While this can be true, there are other factors, including the resources and norms of our community that influence our choices without us always being aware. So how can we be sure the factors around us that impact our health are doing so for the better? As a leader in your community, you have the power to create healthy environments and policies where you live, work, and play. Together, we can create vibrant communities that support healthy choices and lifestyles. Pinnacle Prevention is dedicated to growing healthy families and communities, with a mission to inspire and advance a healthy food system and opportunities for active living. Our team of registered dietitians, researchers and social scientists believe all families should have access to healthy food as well as healthy and safe communities to enjoy physical activity. Check out the video below to learn more about how your environment impacts your health and the health of your family, how policies can help shape your community, and how Pinnacle Prevention works to make our visions a reality across Arizona.  Each year, the beginning of summer marks the beginning of fun, friends and a welcomed break for school children across the state. But for many Arizona students, this time of year also marks the end of daily, nutritious, and reliable meals.
Nearly half a million students in the state rely on free or reduced school lunches during the school year, according to the most recent Food Research & Action Center report. For many students, these guaranteed meals may be the only source of nutritious food they can count on each day. The school cafeteria doors may be closed for the summer, but hunger doesn’t go on vacation. March is wrapping up, which also means the end of National Nutrition Month. Put your best fork forward all year long with all of the tips and resources we covered throughout the month!
This month, we talked about how what we put on our plate nurtures us, as well as the importance of connecting with one another over a nutritious meal. Eating meals together builds bonds, and with a concentration on nutrition, can be a foundation for a lifetime commitment to healthy eating. Read this blog to learn more about how to imbue your children and teens with healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Reference these tips on how to shop for nutritious food without breaking the bank, and check out these ideas for boosting your wellness in the beautiful Arizona outdoors. We also discussed the link between eating breakfast and the academic success of elementary school children for National School Breakfast Week. Visit our blog to revisit all of our discussions about the role nutrition plays in the health of our families and communities. Also, look for information about how SNAP-participating families can get more fresh food for less at local farmers markets on our Double Up Food Bucks Arizona blog. To help make every month Nutrition Month, take a look at some of our infographics that provide more tips on nutritious foods abundant in the spring, nutritious seeds, building strong bones, and more. Not only are they informative, but also easy to share with your family, friends, and communities! |
