Things I learned from Shannon at the Co-op's presentation today

Thank you Shannon for your time and information.  As usual, great learning and great fun.

If you missed Shannon's presentation today at UMD, I will highlight just a few of the tinyist nuggets.

• Did you know...?
• ... that wild rice isn't a rice but the seed of a grass?
• ... that wild rice has more protein, less fat, carbs and calories and more fiber than other rices?
• ... The dirty dozen and 12 least contaminated fruits and vegetables. 
• ... if a label says 100% organic it means all ingredients are organic
• ... if a label just says "organic" it means that 95% of the ingredients are organic.
• ... to save money, check out the bulk aisle where you can buy and try things in small quantities to see if you actually like it.
• ... think ahead when preparing foods. Make additional amounts that you can plan into another meal tomorrow. That way you don't have to eat "left overs" if they don't do it for you, but you can save yourself some time in doing a little pre-prep. Extra noodles when making the pasta salad today can be tomorrow's tuna salad.
• ... read your labels is the best way to know what is actually in your food. Remember, the front of the package is just a billboard.
• ... using marshmallows that contain gelatin are not vegetarian.  (vegetarian marshmallows can be purchased or home made as an alternative.)
  (All information from Shannon, can be found in the co-op "all about" brochures or respective website link.)

Check out our event Wed April 10 from 10-11 in Kirby 355-357
Randy Hanson talks about the UMD farm and how you can get involved.

What does that long list of ingredients on the food label mean?

EVENT THIS WEDNESDAY!!
March 27
10-11 AM
Kirby 355 - 357 (Down the skinny hallway that runs along the back of the ballroom

What does that long list of ingredients on the food label mean?  Shannon Szymkowiak, Promotions and Education Manager at the Whole Foods Co-op, will help you to demystify ingredients, and understand the benefits of “whole foods”.

Hosted by SHAC - Student Health Advisory Committee
Join is!
(Shannon USUALLY travels with treats. I make NO promises, but it could happen!)

Fresh off the farm; Meet The SAPatistas!!

Hi everyone!  Happy back from Spring Break!

I want to introduce you to a new student group!  I have had the pleasure of working with some of the folks from this group and I think they will be amazing partners!

  Photos from the UMD farm last summer.

Here they are in their own words...

 SAPatistas

Students currently employed by The Sustainable Agriculture Project (Also known as SAP) have formed a new student group, the SAPatistas.  The Sustainable Agriculture Project was created in 2009 to institute education, research, and community engagement around local food systems and food security in the western Lake Superior region.  Many of these incentives are accomplished through work at the UMD Farm and Orchard sites.  As student workers, the SAPatistas have all had the opportunity to be a part of accomplishing this mission.  Of course, there is still work to be done. 

The SAPatistas want to put their fresh veggies where their mouth is and work towards raising food awareness here on-campus. We know that healthy food doesn’t have to break your bank.  We believe that our classmates should have access to healthier choices.  Basically, we want to give students options that make tying their shoe seem like a challenge.   To do this, we want your help!  The SAPatistas are students with different majors, skill sets and passions.  To join, you don’t need any experience with food or farming, you just have to be a fan of Brussels’ sprouts (kidding).  The SAPatistas invite you to bring whatever you have to our table.        

If you’ve been curious about SAP, this is the perfect way to get a taste.  If you want to experience what it’s like to really be in touch with your food, get your hands dirty or partake in creating better food options for our student body.  

Spread the word. Join the movement!!

Contact info and updates can be found on the SAPatistas facebook page

Also check out SAP @:

Homepage: http://www.d.umn.edu/cscd/sap/main/index.php

Facebook: UMD Sustainable Agriculture Project