Boston: take a break from beans, it’s time to eat your greens

In celebration of the upcoming second annual Food Day on Wednesday,
Boston Moves for Health is partnering with some local organizations
to spread the word about healthy, affordable and sustainable eating. 

The Boston Public Health Commission is asking residents to join together
to show that “Boston eats its greens,” in an effort to promote
nutritious foods with a common theme that engages every community in the
city.

The theme unites efforts taking place across schools, farmers markets, and community based organizations, according to the commission.
 
Green vegetables such as kale, collard greens, broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, spinach, and chard are rich in calcium, and vitamins, A, C and
K, commission officials said, and help keep teeth, gums, skin, eyes, bones, and blood
healthy, as well as strengthen the immune system.

On Wednesday morning, there will be city-sponsored events in Mattapan and Dorchester that put a spot light on green vegetables.

At Mattapan Head Start, parents and kids will get a demonstration to
prepare “monster smoothies,” quick and healthy snack that includes kale
and fruit.

All 140 Mattapan Head Start parents will be given a pound of kale,
courtesy of the Boston Area Gleaners, and recipes for at-home
preparation. 

All ABCD Head Start programs in Boston will discuss Food Day principles
in class and serve greens as part of a healthy lunch to their 2,400
students.

At Shaw’s Supermarket in Dorchester, Jennifer Shea, Shaw’s registered
dietitian, will lead students from the Boston Public School’s
Dever-McCormack K-8 School on a healthy store tour.

Kids will start the tour with a fitness activity and end with a
nutritious snack and healthy goody bag to take home.  The event, one of
four similar events sponsored by Shaw’s and Boston Moves throughout
October, is supported by the New England Dairy Council.

The commission is working with public schools to incorporate the “Eat
Your Greens” theme for Food Day. With the help of FoodCorps service
members, dozens of students at the Orchard Gardens K-8 School and the
Dearborn Middle School will prepare kale and collard greens grown in
their school gardens. Many Boston Public Schools will discuss the
importance of fresh fruits and vegetables, and others will serve greens
as part of their Local Lunch Thursday program on the day after Food Day.
 
Many other Boston Public Schools will discuss the importance of fresh
fruits and vegetables and serve greens as part of their Local Lunch
Thursday program on the day after Food Day.
 
The commission has also reached out to farmers markets in the city to advertise “Boston eats its greens.”