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.
![]()
The Big Thaw—Safe Defrosting Methods
There are three safe ways to thaw food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave. Refrigerator Thawing: After thawing in the refrigerator, items such as ground meat, stew meat, poultry, seafood, should remain safe and good quality for an additional day or two before cooking; red meat cuts (such as beef, pork or lamb roasts, chops and steaks) 3 to 5 days. Food thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking, although there may be some loss of quality. Cold Water Thawing: The food must be in a leak-proof package or plastic bag. If the bag leaks, bacteria from the air or surrounding environment could be introduced into the food. The bag should be submerged in cold tap water, changing the water every 30 minutes so it continues to thaw. Foods thawed by the cold water method should be cooked before refreezing. Microwave Thawing: When thawing food in a microwave, plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during the thawing process (bringing the food to "Danger Zone" temperatures). Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn't have been destroyed. After thawing in the microwave, always cook immediately after. Foods thawed in the microwave should be cooked before refreezing. Cooking Without Thawing: When there is not enough time to thaw frozen foods, or you're simply in a hurry, just remember: it is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. The cooking will take approximately 50% longer. Reprinted in part from USDA. This content is not a substitute for medical advice from a licensed practitioner. Consult with your physician for additional information regarding your needs, and to see if the information in this article is appropriate for you.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Questions? Give us a call!Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola County Residents: 989-386-3805 Reminder CallsMonthly customers will receive an automated call the day before distribution reminding them to pick up their box. Archives
September 2023
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. |
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 contactus@mmcaa.org FOOD WAREHOUSE 2300 E Ludington Drive Clare, MI 48617 contactus@mmcaa.org WIC CLINIC 337 Lemke Street Midland, MI 48642 Phone 989-832-7310 Toll-Free 1-877-210-3169 WIC@mmcaa.org contactus@mmcaa.org |
BAY COUNTY
114 South Washington Avenue Bay City, MI 48708 Phone: 989-894-9060 contactus@mmcaa.org GLADWIN COUNTY 1302 Chatterton Street Gladwin, MI 48624 Phone: 989-426-2801 contactus@mmcaa.org MIDLAND COUNTY 1409 Washington Street Midland, MI 48640 Phone: 989-832-7377 contactus@mmcaa.org |
MECOSTA COUNTY
14330 Northland Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone: 231-660-0271 contactus@mmcaa.org OSCEOLA COUNTY 240 E Church Street Reed City, MI 49677 Phone: 231-791-7078 contactus@mmcaa.org MUSKEGON COUNTY 878 Jefferson Street, Suite 2 Muskegon, MI 49440 Phone: 231-557-7622 contactus@mmcaa.org OCEANA COUNTY 907 S State Street Suite 102 Hart, MI 49420 Phone: 231-923-3066 contactus@mmcaa.org |