May 3, 2011

Cabbage, Onions and Squash

Author: Maria Ali

Veggies Fresh from the Farm

We have been receiving lots of cabbage, onions and squash in the warehouse lately. Do you know the disease-fighting power these veggies have? They are too healthy to be ignored!

CABBAGE
 
Cabbage can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of bladder, colon and prostate cancers. Sautéing is one of the healthiest ways to cook cabbage because it preserves nutrients. Overcooking destroys nutrients.

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May 11, 2010

A Trip to the Cabbage Patch

Author: Maria Ali

Last week, our Product Sourcing Manager, Kirsten Langan, and I went out to one of our donor farms to help glean cabbage with the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA).

Let me tell you, it was some hard work! But I’m so happy we were able to collect 6,850 pounds of fresh vegetables to bring back to our community and provide to those in need. We were joined by an AmeriCorps group and a few other volunteers, one being a mom and her two sons.

The USDA reports that 96 billion pounds of food is wasted in this country every year, while more than 35 million Americans don’t get enough to eat. Wow!!! There was much more cabbage that could have been picked, but we only had so many hands, not to mention so much strength left. Each pile of cabbage that we picked had to be carried by hand back through the field to the truck.

Cabbage is full of water, which contributes to its weight. It’s a great vegetable that supplies nutrients that help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, lung, stomach, and colorectal cancer. It’s also a great source of vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber. ½ cup cabbage only has about 16 Calories and provides almost 3 grams of fiber. It’s good stuff!

So thank you to SoSA, AmeriCorps, and the family that volunteered. Those 2 little boys earned 100 pennies…they’re mom rewarded them 1 penny for every head of cabbage they collected. If you’re interested in getting involved with SoSA visit their website:  www.endhunger.org .

Every extra helping hand provides healthier food to those who are hungry.

pictures:

 

Maria Ali
Nutrition Manager