There’s nothing I love more than healthy foods. Give me an afternoon and a Whole Foods/Wegmans/Fresh Market/Trader Joe’s and I can spend hours (and big bucks) there with out a problem. Not to mention, despite all my bias, I find the Baltimore Farmer’s Market under the JFX to be one the best in the country. If you don’t believe me, spend your Sunday morning (then head over to Harvest Helpers-but you’ll read more about that later) there this weekend and try to leave empty handed and sans samples.
I recently learned that 18% of Baltimore City residents live in what’s called a “food dessert,” meaning it’s low income residents who just don’t have the access to healthy foods (like skim milk, whole wheat bread-things I use on a daily basis).
That’s why I wanted to share two amazing opportunities and initiatives that help bring fresh, organic foods to places (beyond MD) where many folks don’t have access or the fundings to these goods.
One of my favorite organizations, United Way of Central Maryland, has launched the Access to Healthy Foods initiative for the next three years. In short, they want to try to bring those great fresh foods to communities in Baltimore city and surrounding locations that simply lack that.
Year one means increasing those healthy, affordable options for the poor in central Maryland by at least 1.5 million pounds. That’s a whole lotta produce right there-and families to provide. Not only that, but United Way hopes to expand infrastructure so that 60,000 people have more consistent access to those affordable, healthy food options.
This is such a massive undertaking and an even more massively awesome cause-one that I hold close because, well, I love me some healthy food and try to maintain a well-balanced diet. If I have this luxury, so should everyone else. Especially without having to think twice about the extra cost it is for that healthier bread.
This weekend, they are organizing “Harvest Helpers” on Sunday from 2-5 p.m at First Fruits Farm. One of my fave restaurants in the county, Manor Tavern, will be there with healthy food tastings and even a gift card raffle! Even though the event has filled up quickly, check out their calendar of events for more during the season!
I also recently started volunteering doing marketing for a non-profit in Baltimore called Garden Harvest, based in Reisterstown, who has a very similar credo. Their farm helps raise organic, fresh produce for the poor as well as educate on how to cultivate your own! Such a great concept and how can you not support the cause?
Check out the site for more info and please feel free to drop me a line if you’re interested in getting involved as well!
If my readers are anything like me (lovers of healthy and fresh foods), then these organizations are absolutely worth a look and support! Check out their website at http://www.uwcm.org/main/index.php/healthy-food.html and find new ways to get involved and informed on the program!
If I’m able to sit down to a tasty, healthy bowl of quinoa this weekend, I’ll definitely think twice and appreciate having the ability to easily access this amazing grain (seriously, try it!) and hope you all do the same!
Take a second and wander over to either website and hope everyone enjoys their weekends spent either wandering the Farmer’s Market or checking out new bands and artists at Fells Fest! Welcome fall to Baltimore!
