Tidbits
Tidbits is a monthly senior food program publication that contains features like healthy eating tips, recipes, and information about food distributions.
To see when the next distribution near you will be, head over to our Seniors page.
Lentils
Lentils are a dry seed you can eat. Lentils have a nutty, almost earthy flavor. They become tender but firm enough to hold their shape when cooked. Lentils can be added to salads, soups, stews, or served as a side dish. Lentils are full of protein and can be used as an alternative to meat. They are also high in fiber and have a lot of vitamins and minerals. Lentils help protect your heart and improve cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Lentils are easy to cook. You don’t need to soak them. Put the lentils in a pot and cover with water. Bring them to a boil and then simmer for 20-30 minutes. Just ½ cup of cooked lentils has the same amount of protein as a serving of meat. One pound of dry lentils makes about 7 cups of cooked lentils. Learn more in this month's edition of Tidbits! The material provided is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
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Beans
Beans come in different shapes and sizes and are a healthy addition to your diet. They are low naturally low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and calories. They are a good source of protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins. Your USDA food boxes can include dry or canned beans. Dry beans are picked in the field and left to dry out. These need to be cleaned, soaked, and cooked. You can keep dry beans at room temperature for up to a year. Dry beans are a no-salt product. Look on page 2 for how to cook dry beans. Canned beans are pre-cooked. They need to be drained and rinsed before adding them to your meal. You can eat them cold or cooked. Beans are part of the MyPlate protein group and have similar amounts of protein to meat. Beans can be a great substitute for meat. The material provided is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
Sodium
Sodium is a part of table salt. Sodium is a mineral used in food to help preserve, thicken, and enhance the taste of foods. Some foods are high in sodium but don’t taste salty. It is important to read labels to check the sodium content in foods. Your body needs sodium to keep it running smoothly. But too much sodium in your diet can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to serious health issues. It is important to limit the amount of sodium you eat. The beans and vegetables in your USDA food boxes are low-sodium. To help reduce your sodium intake: • Choose unsalted snacks • Rinse canned vegetables, beans, and fish before cooking or eating • Read food labels • Choose no-sodium or low-sodium foods • Eat fresh foods The material provided is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
Food Allergies and Food Intolerances
A food allergy happens when your body’s immune system reacts to a food. A food intolerance is when you have a hard time digesting food because your body is sensitive. Your body will react to a food allergy within minutes. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, or wheezing. Food intolerances happen hours after eating. These symptoms include bloating, gas, or stomach cramps. Food Allergies and Safe Practices
Make it known—let others know you have a food allergy and ask them to be careful cooking and serving you food The material provided is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
Summer Fruit
Fresh fruit is the best during the warm summer months because that is when most fruit is in season. Fruit is also cheaper during the summer because there is so much of it ready to eat. There are many fruits to choose from in the summer. Some good choices of summer fruits are strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, peaches, cherries, and plums. Fruit Salads Fruit salads are one of the easiest ways to use up your fruit. Cut up any fruit you have on hand and put it into a bowl. Mix with some lemon or lime juice, and you have a quick and easy fruit salad. Smoothies Another easy way to use fruit is to incorporate it into a smoothie. Use milk, water, or ice as a base. Add your fresh or frozen fruit to a blender. It makes a perfect cool drink for a warm summer day. The material provided is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
Meat
Meat is also part of the protein food group. Foods in the protein food group include beef, pork, chicken, seafood, beans, eggs, nuts, and seeds. Protein helps build and repair tissue. It also helps maintain muscle strength and bone health. Eating a variety of protein-rich foods can improve your health. Some proteins in your box could be canned beef, beef stew, canned chicken, and canned salmon. Ways to Use Meat in Your Meals
How to Store Meat at Home
The material provided in intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
Cheese
Cheese is part of the dairy food group. Other foods in the dairy food group include milk and yogurt. Dairy is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which help your bones and teeth stay strong. Dairy also contains potassium, which can help maintain healthy blood pressure. Some people who eat dairy have fewer heart problems and type 2 diabetes. Ways to use cheese in your meals:
How to store cheese at home:
The material provided in intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
Cooking for One
Cooking for one person can be hard because many recipes use multiple ingredients and make more than one serving. Here are some tips on how to cook for one person and not waste food. Cooking for One Tips • Plan recipes that use similar ingredients. An example is canned chicken: it can be used for sandwiches, pasta, and chicken noodle soup. • Make recipes with fewer ingredients such as canned beef, mixed vegetables, and canned tomato juice to make beef stew. • Follow MyPlate to portion foods. Half of your plate should be fruit and vegetables, one-quarter lean protein, and one-quarter whole grains. Add one cup of dairy, such as UHT milk on the side. How to store leftovers: • Meat, vegetables, and beans last up to 4 days in the refrigerator after opening. • Fruit and tomato The material provided in intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
Cereal
Cereal is part of the grain food group. Cereal can be eaten hot or cold and is usually eaten for breakfast. Whole grain cereals are a healthy breakfast or snack option. They contain fiber to help with digestion and vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, B vitamins, and magnesium. Whole grain cereal is good for heart health and provides energy for the day. • Ready-to-eat cereals are dry and made from a variety of grains. Just add milk! • Rolled oats are made from whole grains and need to be cooked. Rolled oats do not have added sugar. Add fruits or nuts for extra flavor. • Farina is a type of wheat cereal that can be cooked and has a creamy, smooth texture. Nuts and fruit can also be added to farina. • Grits is a warm cereal made from ground corn. It can be cooked with milk and eaten warm. Grits are a healthy option for gluten-free diets. Cereals that list whole grain as the first ingredient on the ingredient label are the healthiest option. The material provided in intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care.
Rice
Rice belongs to the grain section of MyPlate. When possible, try to choose brown rice to get the most health benefits. The fiber in brown rice reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, and promotes digestive health Comparison of Brown Rice vs. White Rice
You can also find Michigan-grown wild rice in stores and farmers markets. Wild rice has the same, if not more, health benefits and is full of flavor. The material provided in intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual medical care. |
Questions? Give us a call!Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola County Residents: 989-229-0849 Reminder CallsMonthly customers will receive an automated call the day before distribution reminding them to pick up their box. Archives
December 2025
Box ReturnsWe are now able to sterilize boxes with UV light treatment. Clean boxes may be returned at distributions. Non-discrimination policyIn accordance with Federal Civil Rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Civil Rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior credible activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. |
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Locations
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CLARE COUNTY
Administrative Office 1574 E Washington Road PO Box 768 Farwell, MI 48622 Phone 989-386-3805 Toll-Free 1-877-213-5948 Fax 989-386-3277 [email protected] FOOD WAREHOUSE 2300 E Ludington Drive Clare, MI 48617 989-229-0849 [email protected] |
BAY COUNTY
114 South Washington Avenue Bay City, MI 48708 Phone: 989-894-9060 [email protected] GLADWIN COUNTY 1302 Chatterton Street Gladwin, MI 48624 Phone: 989-426-2801 [email protected] MECOSTA COUNTY 706 Maple Street Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone: 231-660-0271 [email protected] MIDLAND COUNTY 1717 Ridgewood Drive, Suite 103 Midland, MI 48642 Phone: 989-832-7310 [email protected] |
MUSKEGON COUNTY
878 Jefferson Street, Suite 2 Muskegon, MI 49440 Phone: 231-557-7622 [email protected] OCEANA COUNTY 195 N Michigan Ave Shelby, MI 49455 Phone: 231-923-3066 [email protected] OSCEOLA COUNTY 240 E Church Street Reed City, MI 49677 Phone: 231-791-7078 [email protected] |
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/nds
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or - fax:
(202) 690-7442; or - email:
[email protected]
https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/nds
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
This website is supported by Grant Number 05CH012316 and 05CH011635 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Mid Michigan Community Action Agency and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider