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.
Why Nutrition Matters For You
Good nutrition is important throughout your life! It can help you feel your best and stay strong. It can help reduce the risk of some diseases that are common among older adults. And, if you already have certain health issues, good nutrition can help you manage the symptoms. Nutrition can sometimes seem complicated. But the good news is that the Food and Drug Administration has a simple tool to help you know exactly what you’re eating.It’s called the Nutrition Facts Label. You will find it on all packaged foods and beverages. It serves as your guide for making choices that can affect your long-term health. Reprinted in part from https://www.fda.gov. This content is not a substitute for medical advice from a licensed practitioner. Please consult your physician to see if the advice in this article is appropriate for you. Read more in the month's issue of Tidbits (link above)
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Celebrate National Blood Donor Month this January and Help Save a Life
Blood donations typically drop off during and immediately after the winter holidays, which makes National Blood Donor Month in January a critical time for the American Red Cross. Busy schedules, holiday breaks from school, inclement weather and winter illnesses contribute to fewer blood and platelet donations. Since December, severe winter weather has forced the Red Cross to cancel dozens of blood drives, leaving hundreds of donations uncollected. This poses quite a challenge since the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday nor diminish because a snowstorm hits. Eligible blood and platelet donors are urged to schedule a donation today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). Help even more people by inviting your sister, daughter or other family members, friends and colleagues to donate too. Reprinted in part from https://www.redcross.org. This content is not a substitute for medical advice from a licensed practitioner. Please consult with your physician to see if the advice in this article is appropriate for you. Learn more in this month's edition of Tidbits (link above)
A Special Winter Announcement
As cold winter weather settles in, we all look forward to cozy evenings with family and friends. With that also comes awareness that cold weather can be dangerous. We sincerely want winter commodity distributions to be as safe as possible for everyone. To that end I’d like to share a few thoughts: We strongly encourage you to arrive for your distribution at the scheduled start time. We stay at every site until all customers who arrived during the scheduled distribution time have been served. Lining up before a distribution starts is not necessary, and more importantly, is potentially dangerous in this cold weather. Our truck crew is dedicated and works hard to get food out, even when the weather is bad. If we must cancel a distribution, we work to get the word out in several ways. Cancellations will be posted on our Facebook and local TV stations. If you receive reminder robocalls, you will also receive a call notifying you of cancellation. We will announce the day and time for a make-up distribution as soon as possible. If you feel that it is not safe to travel for a distribution, please contact us at 989-386-3805 for other options. We may be able to serve you at a different public distribution or at our Clare Warehouse. Read more in this month's edition of Tidbits (link above)
Newsletter Excerpt: Diabetes "Superfoods"
“Superfood” is a term used by many food and beverage companies as a way to promote a food thought to have health benefits; however, there is no official definition of the word by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA regulates the health claims allowed on food labels to ensure there is scientific research to support the claims. The list of foods below are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that are good for overall health and may also help prevent disease. Beans: Kidney, pinto, navy, or black beans are packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and potassium. They are very high in fiber too. Beans do contain carbohydrates, but ½ cup also provides as much protein as an ounce of meat without the saturated fat. To read the rest of the "Diabetes Superfoods" list, visit https://www.diabetes.org. The information contained in this article is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended. Find out more in this month's Tidbits (link above).
Newsletter Excerpt: Healthy Eating as We Age
Healthy eating can make a difference in our health, help to improve how we feel, and encourage a sense of well-being. Eating healthy has benefits that can help older adults. Our daily eating habits change as our bodies get older. Make small adjustments to help you enjoy the foods and beverages you eat and drink.
The information contained in this article is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended. Reprinted in part from https://www.choosemyplate.gov. Read more in this month's Tidbits (link above)
Newsletter Excerpt: Eating Right When Money is Tight
Food costs are on the rise. Here are tips on how to stretch your food dollars by planning ahead, budgeting, making smart food choices, and preparing low-cost recipes. Before Shopping:
Reprinted in part from https://snaped.fns.usda.gov. Find more tips in this month's Tidbits Newsletter (link above)
Newsletter Excerpt: Meal Planning for One or Two People
One- and two-person households are a growing sector in the United States. According to the 2000 census, the U.S. has more than 61 million one- and two-person households. They all have something in common: They need to eat! Sometimes, cooking for one or two may seem like it’s not worth the trouble; however, everyone needs a variety of foods to stay healthy. Homemade meals usually are more nutritious, better tasting and more economical, compared with restaurant meals. The information contained in this article is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended. This article comes from https://www.ag.ndsu.edu. Discover more tips in this month's Tidbits (link above).
Newsletter Excerpt: Healthy Eating Conversation Starters
Sometimes a family member or friend needs encouragement to make a healthy change. Try these tips to start a conversation about eating healthy. Say why eating healthy is important. "Your health is important to me. I care about you and want you to live a healthy life." "A healthy diet can help you stay active as you get older, giving you more time to spend with your loved ones and do the activities you enjoy." The information contained in this article is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended. Information provided by US Department of Health and Human Services at https://health.gov. Find more conversation starters in the month's Tidbits (link above).
Newsletter Excerpt: Getting Enough Fluids
It’s important for your body to have plenty of fluids each day. Water helps you digest your food, absorb nutrients from food, and then get rid of the unused waste. Water is found in foods—both solids and liquids, as well as in its natural state. With age, you might lose some of your sense of thirst. To further complicate matters, some medicines might make it even more important to have plenty of fluids. Remember, water is a good way to add fluids to your daily routine without adding calories. The information contained in this article is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended. Information provided by National Institute on Aging at https://www.nia.nih.gov. Learn more including tips for getting enough fluid in this month's Tidbits (link above).
Newsletter Excerpt: What Are Food Allergies?
Food allergy is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical condition affecting 32 million Americans. One in every 13 children has a food allergy—that’s about 2 in every U.S. classroom. And every 3 minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room. The information contained in this article is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consultation with your doctor or health care professional is recommended. Information provided by Food Allergey Research and Education at foodallergy.org. Learn more about food allergies in this month's Tidbits (link above). |
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
May 2024
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 |