Eating Tips on a Tight Budget

Food is expensive, but you can find tips to help you eat well on a tight budget. For example: 

• Prepare stews and casseroles to help stretch expensive food items and provide meals for multiple days.
• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season. Healthy foods that tend to be reasonably priced and available year-round include apples, bananas, potatoes, carrots, and greens.
• Buy groceries when you are not hungry or rushed.
• Avoid convenience foods, such as frozen dinners, pre-cut vegetables, and instant oatmeal--you pay more for convenience.

If you are struggling to put food on the table, consider programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and school meal programs for children.

Build Healthy Habits

You might think children are getting enough exercise in their PE classes at school, but it takes more than just an hour once a week for kids to be healthy.  September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and even if your children aren't overweight, you can use these tips from USA.gov to make sure they form healthy habits now that will last a lifetime.

Healthy living starts with solid nutrition

Making sure your kids egt enough fruits and vegetables can be tricky, but you can start by mixing vegetables into meals you already make.  Consider tossing some spinach in with your pasta or dicing peppers to mix in with your tacos.  When it comes to snacks, have fresh fruit or chopped veggies on hand that your kids can grab instead of chips or cookies.

Kids need 60 minutes of vigorous play each day to be healthy.  Encourage kids to put down video game controllers and organize a game of tag or capture the flag.  Sign kids up for a team sport or give them toys that encourage play, like a basketball or jump rope.

Find more ideas at LetsMove.gov or MyPlate.gov (kids section).

Dining with Diabetes

Are you struggling with cooking for someone who has diabetes or for yourself?  A cooking class series will be held on October 3, 10, 24, & 31, 2012 from 5:30p.m. - 7:00p.m.  Class size is limited, so register early.  Cost is $25 for individual and $35 for 2 persons (if you will be sharing books and meals).  To register, call the Extension Office at 897-6100 or visit:  www.ag.purdue.edu/counties/warrick.

4-H Fair Volunteer Thanks!

Warrick County Extension is blessed with the support of so many wonderful volunteers.  All the hard work and efforts of the many 4-H Fair Volunteers helped make an enjoyable and FUN experience for the youth and adults participating and attending the 2012 Warrick County 4-H Fair.  Many, many thanks to you ALL!!