Working and Eating Healthy in the City

At times I have challenges getting food in the city. This is mainly because I work far from the city and sometimes there just isn't enough time. I am sure for many working people there are challenges with work that prevents them from getting healthy food including long work hours and lack of transportation. The Baltimore City Health Department has been thinking about the citizens of Baltimore getting the food they need. I was elated to hear about a new program in the city called Baltimarket, the Virual Supermarket Program. It is a program that allows city residents to visit the local library and order their food online and have it delivered to the same library the next day at no charge. Online grocery shopping is not new. As a matter of fact, Giant and Safeway both offer programs where you can shop online and have your groceries delivered for a fee. The only problem is that you have to have internet access and pay a delivery fee. These programs are generally limited to those with higher incomes. Baltimarket is a program that is designed specifically for assistance to low-income residents with low vehicle and internet access to place and receive grocery orders at their local library. Another unique feature of the program is that it encourages healthy eating, provides healthy recipes, healthy cooking demonstrations, and a $10 incentive for healthy food purchases. With a goal of improving health and wellness of Baltimore City residents, you can't go wrong with the Baltimarket program. This program was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Btaltimore City Health Department, Santoni's Super Market, Maryland Institute and College of Art, adn the Baltimore City Enoch Pratt Free Library System. This is Thyme, and this is a great program, check it out! Click on the website to view the entire story and find out additional information on the program. http://www.baltimorehealth.org/virtualsupermarket.html

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 Released

Since the theme of this month’s blog is working and eating healthy, the release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 is timely. Because Americans are faced with an epidemic of overweight and obesity due to poor diet and inactivity, this time around the Guidelines focus on three succinct messages:

1. Balancing Calories

• Enjoy your food, but eat less.
• Avoid oversized portions.

2. Foods to Increase

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

3. Foods to Reduce

• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
  

For more information on the Dietary Guidelines 2010, link to http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm.