Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Get Ready for June...It's National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month!

Get ready to celebrate! June is National Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Month.

As gardens all over Iowa begin to produce delicious, fresh produce, your summer food service programs (SFSPs) will be in full swing. What better place to use fresh foods? Can you partner with your school garden or greenhouse?  Or perhaps you know a local grower you can secure produce from?  If labor is short, try the pre-cut produce options that Martin Bros. has to offer. Any way you slice it, there is no reason not to find a place for fresh foods in your summer menus.

Try these fun ideas on how to incorporate fresh produce into your SFSP plans!  
  • There is nothing quite like fresh watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew in summer- and your kids will think so too!  A sweet treat, indeed! 
  • Sugar snap peas -- one of the most kid-friendly, yet underutilized veggies!  Snap peas pair perfectly with other fresh veggies, but can hold their own just as easily!  Try serving with a side of ranch or hummus. 
  • Zucchini -- if you have 1 zucchini, you have 20! Perhaps that is why there are thousands of zucchini recipes out there! Baked zucchini coins are a family favorite. Simply slice zucchini, toss lightly in olive oil (or use an oil spray), and shake with whole wheat bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, then bake until golden brown.  
  • Fresh tomatoes -- jut the thought of one is enough to make your mouth water! Serve freshly sliced tomatoes and lettuce when sandwiches are on the menu.  Maybe some onion too; finely diced is a nice option for littles!
  • Chard/Kale -- not something that you would normally think of serving kids, unless you hide it in a quesadilla! Cheddar and chard quesadillas are a delicious addition to any menu. Choose your favorite tortilla and fill with cheese and shredded chard (or kale). Cook and serve with salsa & sour cream (or plain greek yogurt). 
The sky's the limit! Find out what produce you have access to and try something new!  
 
Check out these links for great information on Iowa harvest times and storing fresh produce.
 
Not an AEA Purchasing cooperative food member?  We would love the opportunity to talk… email megan@aeapurchasing.org