A food guide system, known as “MyPlate” was introduced more than 5 years ago. It is easy to relate to the plates of food we enjoy throughout our day. When we pay close attention to the food groups we are reminded that half the plate should be filled with vegetables and fruits. Another large portion of grains, (preferably whole) and a small portion of food containing protein complete our plate. A serving of calcium rich food should also be included several times per day.
A fact sheet that I wrote last year titled, “Simple Seasonal Meals” encourages readers to plan menus around foods that are in season and search out locally grown produce whenever possible. The wintery weather in Kansas does limit our access to locally grown produce. Hopefully garden produce has been safely preserved so that it may be added to soups, stews or casseroles for that fresh-from-the-garden flavor. I know we continue to enjoy eating the butternut squash we bought at farmer’s market last fall. With careful storage it should keep through the winter.
My plan with the “Simple Seasonal Meals” program is to be able to share the information at different times of the year and highlight certain vegetables and fruit that are readily available. You have several opportunities in the next couple of weeks to learn more about winter vegetables. I will be sharing “Simple Seasonal Meals” Thursday, Jan. 14, at noon at the Rush County Extension Office. The following week I have two programs planned for Great Bend. Wednesday, Jan. 20, I will be at the Great Bend Activity Center, 2715 18th Street, at noon and Friday, the 22, I will present “Simple Seasonal Meals” at 1 p.m. at the Great Bend Senior Center. I will also take “Simple Seasonal Meals” to Hays on Jan. 21, at noon at the Ellis County Extension Office. I hope to see you at one of these programs. Samples and recipes will be shared.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu