The Produce Box celebrates National Nutrition Month in March by taking its message directly to schools across North Carolina.
The Produce Box delivers farm-fresh North Carolina fruits and vegetables to the homes and offices of its 9,000 members across the state. For eight years it has brought the farmer’s market directly to member front doors and supported community schools in the process.
The Produce Box has signed up more than 20 schools for March National Nutrition Month membership drives (where $10 is donated back to the school for every new member that signs up). In addition, The Produce Box is using this opportunity to help local schools spread the message of healthy nutrition to their families (see some items below). Making healthy food choices and supporting local farmers are always important!
According to founder Courtney Tellefsen, The Produce Box bought more than 1.5 million pounds of produce from NC farmers in 2014. More than 1,600 boxes were delivered to low income families and more than 300 pounds of bulk produce were delivered each week to the NC FOOD BANK.
NC FUN FOOD FACTS
Sweet potatoes are high in Beta Carotene and vitamins E and C.
North Carolina is the leading producer of sweet potatoes in the U.S. and it’s our official state vegetable!
Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.
There are over 14,000 acres of apple orchards in North Carolina!
It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
North Carolina has 5,000 peanut farmers!
EASY WAYS TO GET MORE FRUITS AND VEGGIES AT MEALTIMES
Breakfast
Top your cereal, oatmeal or yogurt with fresh berries.
Add some mushrooms and peppers to an omelet.
Sprinkle fresh berries on your waffles.
Blend up a green smoothie.
Have some homemade muffins ready to go – think carrot, zucchini, blueberry or pumpkin – whatever’s in season.
Lunch
Sliced veggies and fruits can be dipped in yogurt, hummus, salsa & nut butters.
Have a thermos filled with warm vegetable soup, chili or last night’s veggie lasagna.
Skewer your fruits and veggies (and cheese) to make fun kabobs.
Layer veggies on your favorite sandwich.
Dinner
Pile the veggies on a homemade pizza.
Enjoy a baked sweet potato with sprinkle of brown sugar.
Add mushrooms or zucchini to your pasta sauce.
Mixed chopped veggies, like carrots or zucchini, into your meatloaf or meatballs.
Puree cooked cauliflower, winter squash, or red peppers and stir them into sauces, mashed potatoes, or mac’n’cheese.
Make your own marinara from fresh tomatoes.
Enjoy savory homemade, hearty soup: butternut squash, tomato, potato or a vegetable stew.
Martin Armes
919-608-7260
