Are you curious about how to make nutritious and delicious meals while sticking to a budget? Well, you’re in luck because the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program (KYNEP) has a special treat for you – the Food and Nutrition Calendar! This handy calendar is all about helping you and your family eat better, one month at a time.
Why the Calendar?
First things first, let’s understand why we need this calendar. In Kentucky, only 9% of our neighbors are eating enough fruits and vegetables every day. The KYNEP is on a mission to change that. We, at the #KYNEP, want to help families with limited resources, young children, and SNAP-eligible individuals plan healthy meals, handle food safely, improve their cooking skills, and make positive choices for a healthier lifestyle. “It’s all about doing your best you can with what you have on hand!”
What is the Calendar?
The KYNEP Food and Nutrition Calendar has been around since well before 2008, and it’s here to encourage you to eat healthier. This calendar is like your trusty guide to better eating. It’s filled with great information and tips on how to make smart food choices. You’ll discover a variety of nutritious foods, yummy recipes, and meal-planning ideas. The calendar also tells you about the fruits and veggies that are in season and gives you cooking tips. It’s like having a nutrition coach right on your wall!
How is the Calendar Created?
The calendar isn’t made by just one person; it’s a team effort! Experts from the KYNEP State Staff and County Extension Offices work together to create this fantastic resource. They carefully pick and test delicious recipes to make sure they are not only tasty but also affordable and healthy. They pay attention to things like sodium levels, fat content, and added sugars to ensure that the recipes are good for you.
Here are a few examples of featured recipes from past calendars:
- Apple Grilled Cheese
- BBQ Sweet Potato Nachos
- Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
- Zubeanie Boats
- Vegetarian Taco Soup
These recipes are just the beginning of your culinary adventure!
Cook through the Calendar in Your County!
The calendar isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a tool for change. County Extension Offices offer “Cooking with/through the Calendar” monthly classes. These classes bring the calendar to life by showing you how to make the recipes, letting you taste the delicious results, and teaching you valuable nutrition lessons. You might find these classes at libraries, senior centers, community centers, and other community places. It’s a chance for you to try new foods, experiment with tasty recipes, and learn about nutrition.
You can also access all the calendar recipes and short demonstration videos of many of our recipes on the website planeatmove.com; the videos can also be found on our YouTube channel. Plus, don’t forget to get in touch with your local Extension Office to find out about the latest 2024 edition of the KYNEP Food and Nutrition Calendar and related classes and programs.
In Conclusion
Thanks to the hard work of the KYNEP and County Extension Offices, more people in Kentucky are embracing a healthier way of life, one recipe and one month at a time. So, why not join in the fun and discover how to make delicious, nutritious meals on a budget? With the Food and Nutrition Calendar, you’re on your way to a healthier you!
Source: LaToya Drake, MS, Program Coordinator II, University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program
