Nurture a Love of Healthy Eating

By Barb Cronin

March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to take a look at your family’s current state of nutrition. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) only 38% of youth in the U.S. eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Research has shown that the earlier children begin eating vegetables, fruits and whole grains the more likely they are to continue healthy eating habits as adults.

Oftentimes adults have the best intentions, but lack of convenience and affordability sway them to choose less healthy food options. In fact, the CDC reports that adults do even worse when it comes to getting the recommended vegetable and fruit servings daily with only 23% meeting U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Dietary Guidelines.

Get creative when it comes to incorporating more fruits and veggies into your family’s diet. Look beyond the grocery store for produce and healthy foods – visit farmer’s markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) groups or mobile food trucks.

In its efforts to continue to support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all in the community, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine has partnered with Nourish Mobile Market to bring locally-sourced, fresh and seasonal produce as well as other fresh foods to Y members and the community.

Nourish Mobile Market  is a traveling fresh produce truck, delivering healthy eating alternatives to those in Chester, Berks, Montgomery and Lancaster Counties. This partnership will enable those struggling with limited transportation and who do not have healthy eating patterns to have access to fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced foods.

Nourish Mobile will regularly visit six of the Y’s branches– Brandywine and Lionville Community – every other Wednesday, Jennersville and Kennett Area – every other Tuesday , Upper Main Line and West Chester Area – every other Monday. Stop by and check it out. For more details visit www.ymcagbw.org/nourishmobile.

In recognition of National Nutrition Month, why not make it a goal to increase your family’s vegetable and fruit intake to help prevent chronic disease and achieve a balanced, healthy life.

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The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a leading Chester County non-profit charity dedicated to strengthening community through programs that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With more than 80,000 members at nine facilities, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine invites all people to participate in membership and programs, regardless of their ability to pay. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcagbw.org

Disclaimer:  We are proud partners of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.