Spring Greens Are Here!

Guest post by Mandy Kalin, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator

We have officially made it through winter here in Downeast Maine! How exciting! As our SNAP-Ed team looks forward to the season ahead, we are busy reflecting on the many new skills that we have acquired and the hundreds of snacks and meals that we have prepared. It has been a journey, with so much taught and so much learned.

Coming into warmer weather means fresh produce again – lettuce, spinach, radishes, arugula - let’s put away the squash soup and bring on the spring greens!

Here is a recipe for a yummy and refreshing Spring Green Salad that is a great bridge between winter and spring, featuring fresh spinach and Dark green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of fiber, folate, and carotenoids. These vegetables also contain vitamins C and K and the minerals iron and calcium. In addition, dark green leafy vegetables act as antioxidants in the body. Find this and more easy, healthy, and delicious recipes for any season and budget at https://www.mainesnap-ed.org/recipes.

March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign launched in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.

This year's Nutrition Month theme is "Fuel for the Future." Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment. We can help you create healthy habits that are sustainable.

Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Mandy or Shannon in Washington County, and Isi or Lizzie in Hancock County.