March 2025 Issue of The Whistler

February 28, 2025

Nutrition Month for children offers a fantastic opportunity to teach them about healthy eating in a fun and engaging way! Activities like cooking classes, grocery store trips, and taste tests can make learning about nutrition exciting. By involving children in the preparation of their meals, we not only teach them about the importance of balanced meals but also encourage them to try new foods and make healthier choices. Let’s inspire a love for nutritious foods that will positively impact their lives for years to come!

Did you know that a single banana is actually a “finger”? And when you gather a bunch of these “fingers” together, you get a whole “hand” of bananas!

Crackers have holes in them for a reason! During the baking process, if the crackers have holes in them, it prevents air bubbles from ruining the product.

Did you know that it can take 15 to 20 or more exposures to a specific food before your child is willing to try it? They might not be interested right now, but by consistently offering it without pressure, you create a chance for them to develop a liking for it later on!

Have you ever been curious about the origin of the name “Pineapple”? When early explorers encountered pineapples for the first time, they were reminded of pine cones, which is how this fruit received its name!

There are two varieties of iron: heme iron, which is derived from animal sources such as meat and fish, and non-heme iron, found in plant-based foods like nuts and beans. While heme iron is significantly easier to absorb, a large portion of the iron in many people’s diets comes from non-heme sources. Additionally, a child’s body can absorb more iron when it is consumed alongside vitamin C, which is present in most fruits and vegetables

When choosing between consuming whole fruit or opting for 100% fruit juice, it’s essential to consider the fiber content. Whole fruits are a good source of fiber, which can contribute to feeling satisfied for an extended period of time.

Solid Starts – Guided introduction to starting solid foods.

Fare For All – Discount grocery program that sells packages of frozen meat and fresh produce.

U of M Extension Cooking Club – Rusty’s Cooking Club. This is a fun club for preschool-aged children, families will receive an email when the new monthly recipe is available.