Each year more than 20,000 new foods arrive on grocery store and convenience store shelves, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Of these foods, one quarter are candies, gum and snack foods. Beverages make up another 20 percent. That leaves more than 10,000 new foods or varieties of existing foods added to market. Next time you are in the grocery store, take a few minutes to look around at all the new foods on the shelves.
In addition to the newly developed foods, many grocery stores have added a variety of fruits, vegetables, and ancient whole grains that have been enjoyed globally for thousands of years. This is even true for rural grocery stores. Mark your calendar for an educational program set for Wednesday, Oct. 11, at noon at the Great Bend Activity Center where I will be highlighting some of these interesting foods.
The program is based on the fact sheet titled, “Fixing Funky Foods.” The word funky is a synonym to curious, eccentric and strange. Hopefully after participating in this educational program you will want to incorporate some of these interesting foods in your diet.
Research shows that about three-fourths of the United States population has an eating pattern low in fruit, vegetables, dairy and healthy oils. Also it was found that more than half of the population is meeting or exceeding the total grain and protein food intake, but would benefit from eating a wider variety of grain and protein foods to improve nutrient intake.
The program next Wednesday will include a sampling of some more unusual vegetable and grain dishes. Give our office a call at 620-793-1910 if you plan to participate. That way I’ll be sure to have plenty of handouts and food samples available.

Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent Cottonwood Extension District in Great Bend. Contact her at 620-793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu.