The food choices we make are greatly influenced by
what is conveniently around us and by what fits in our budget.

The food choices we make are greatly influenced by what is conveniently around us and by what fits in our budget.

Check out your local Farmer’s Market.  You will be in for a treat! You will find a variety of fresh herbs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, nuts, and sometimes even dried fruit.  Farmer’s Markets bring the freshest possible products.  In most cases, some of the products you buy will be organic, meaning pesticide free. 

Visit www.farmernet.com for a list of farmer’s
markets in your community.

 




If you reside in South Los Angeles, visit FAME’s So Fresh! Marketplace.  It is held every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm on the corner of Western Blvd. and West Adams Blvd (Map).  This initiative brings fresh, high quality and low cost produce to the community.

When shopping at your local grocery store, stick to as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.  Opt for whole grain instead of white bread.  If purchasing canned fruits, makes sure it is packed in natural juice instead of syrup.  Tuna packed in water instead of oil has less calories, less calories from fat, less total fat, and less saturated fat.

There are many online resources to help you balance your food budget while still
affording healthy meal options. Here are a few quick links:

• Visit the University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension Publications page – you can download and/or print a range of helpful documents including “Planning Thrifty Meals for Small Families” and “Buying Food for Thrifty Families.”

• Download the Family Nutrition Program Nutrition Sense shopping guide for great tips on smart shopping.

• For healthy recipes visit the Champions for Change website.

• For families in California who are struggling to put food on the table, click here to learn more about the Food Stamp Program in California.