Showing posts with label nutritionist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nutritionist. Show all posts

Saturday, February 17, 2024

February 18, Crab Stuffed Flounder Day



Serves 6

Ingredients
6, 4 oz fresh flounder fillets
1/2 cup(s) celery, chopped
1/2 cup(s) chopped green onions
1 clove(s) minced garlic
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup fresh crab meat
2 tablespoon(s) chopped parsley
1 egg, slightly beaten
Salt, black and red pepper to taste

Directions
1. Sauté celery, onions, and garlic in 2 Tbsp of melted butter.
2. Add breadcrumbs, crabmeat chopped parsley, and egg to sautéed vegetables. Mix well.
3. Season to taste with salt, black and red pepper.
4. Brush the flounder fillets well with additional melted butter, salt, and pepper the fillets.
5. Laying the fillets flat, place an equal amount of prepared stuffing on each fillet.
6. Roll the fillets ensuring that the stuffing mixture remains in the center.
7. Melt remaining 2 Tbsp of butter in shallow baking dish.
8. Place stuffed fish in a pan.
9. Cover and bake at 375 F for approximately 30 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
10. Remove cover and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown.


Nutrient Analysis



Nutrient Analysis Services

Purchasing nutrient analysis software and learning how to use the program is only useful if you have the knowledge to convert “as purchased” ingredients to the “edible portion.” 
Ensure accurate nutrient analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrient information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com  954.294.6300





Friday, February 9, 2024

National Pizza Day - Garden Pizza


Yields: 2 Servings
Serving Size: 1/2 pizza


Ingredients
1 Pizza Crust, 7-inch
8 Asparagus
2 Tbsp Red Onions
6 Grape Tomatoes
1 sl Squash
1/3 Red Pepper
1/4 cup Mixed Greens
1/3 cup Part-Skim Mozzarella, shredded



Nutrition Information

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

February 6, National Frozen Yogurt Day




Ingredients
1/2 cup (102 g) Frozen Vanilla Greek Yogurt
Variety of Fresh Fruits. 1 Tablespoon of each: Orange, Strawberries, Blueberries, Kiwi, Raspberries, & Mango



Nutrition Information

How to Make Frozen Greek Yogurt




Nutrient Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutrient analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services
contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND

recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300






Friday, February 2, 2024

World Cerebral Palsy Day -
Feeding Challenges



Meet my son, Jake.



Written by Tracy S. Williams, BS, Nutrition Educator. 
Learn more about Tracy at Tracy's Plate


World Cerebral Palsy Day


Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic “palsies”- disorders that impair movement due to damage of the developing brain. CP usually develops by age 2 or 3 and is a non-progressive brain disorder, meaning the brain damage does not continue to worsen throughout life. However, the symptoms damage often changes over time- sometimes getting better and sometimes getting worse. CP is one of the most common causes of childhood disability.

About 10,000 infants are diagnosed with CP and up to 1,500 preschoolers in the U.S. are recognized as having CP each year. The United Cerebral Palsy Association estimates that more than 764,000 Americans have CP. Congenital cerebral palsy caused by a brain injury during a baby’s development in the womb is responsible in about 70% of the children who have the condition. It is present at birth, although it may not be detected for months. An additional 20% have congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during the birthing process. In most cases, the cause of congenital cerebral palsy is unknown, however, some possible causes are:

An infection during pregnancy may damage a fetus’s developing nervous system. They include rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (a herpes-type virus), and toxoplasmosis (an infection caused by a parasite that can be carried in cat feces or inadequately cooked meat). Other undetected infections in pregnant women are being recognized as an important cause of developmental brain damage in the fetus.

· Severe jaundice in the infant. Jaundice is caused by excessive bilirubin in the blood. Normally, bilirubin is filtered out by the liver. Often, newborns’ livers need a few days to start doing this effectively, so it’s not uncommon for infants to have jaundice for a few days after birth. In most cases, light therapy clears up jaundice and there are no lasting health effects. In rare cases, severe cases of jaundice can damage brain cells.

· Rh incompatibility between mother and infant can be a cause of cerebral palsy. In this blood condition, the mother’s body produces antibodies that destroy the fetus’s blood cells. This leads to jaundice may cause brain damage in the newborn.

· The physical or metabolic trauma of birth can be a cause of cerebral palsy. This can produce brain damage in a fetus whose health has been threatened during development. Severe oxygen deprivation to the brain or significant trauma to the head during labor and delivery can be the cause of cerebral palsy.


Feeding Skills

Feeding skills have been cited as a contributing factor that can affect the life expectancy of those with CP. Managing these can positively affect the life span of an individual with cerebral palsy. When people with cerebral palsy have feeding and digestive challenges, a nutrition care program can be beneficial. Skilled registered dietitian nutritionists work with physicians to adjust diet, food intake and nutrition supplements to enhance overall health. Effective dietary therapy can be devised to meet the individual’s unique needs taking into account digestive challenges and the ability to properly chew, swallow and self-feed.

Nutrition practitioners can adjust textures and consistency of food by pureeing, chopping, and grinding foods for a smoother eating experience. Foods can be softened with broth, gravy, milk, or juices. Liquids can be thickened to improve swallowing. Self-feeding is a skill that significantly enhances the quality of life for someone with a disability, although caregivers, family or friends may still be needed. Speech therapists can teach patients, their friends, or caregivers about adaptive feeding tools that can accommodate different levels of ability. Appropriate techniques can include space between feedings, to allow for natural swallowing, or feeding smaller portions throughout the day. In the most severe cases, some people with cerebral palsy rely on a feeding tube for partial or total nutrition intake. It is important to adjust to allow sufficient time between bites and drinks for natural swallowing. Some meals should be scheduled around medication times to avoid stomach upset, curb appetites and address feelings of being tired.

If a person with cerebral palsy has trouble with asphyxiation, reflux, or pneumonia, he or she should avoid foods, such as nuts, seeds, and hard or stringy foods. Diets can be changed to provide more calories, better balance, compensate for deficiencies and enhance digestion. Vitamin, minerals, and food supplements may help with malabsorption or who tire when eating. High fiber choices can curb constipation while prune and apricot juices may provide natural laxative qualities. Some people with cerebral palsy need to control drooling and aspiration, in addition, use long-term anti-seizure medications can contribute to an increased risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and bacterial infections. Dietitians may advise substituting added sugars and carbonated drinks with fresh fruits and vegetables. Dentists will encourage proper dental hygiene like regular brushing, drinking fluorinated water and regular checkups

Many people fight stereotypes and those with disabilities are no exception. Barriers individuals with disabilities face begin with people’s attitudes that are often rooted in misinformation and misunderstandings of what it’s like to live with a disability. One misconception is that all people living with disabilities are brave and courageous, but people with disabilities just need to adapt to a currently different lifestyle. Sometimes wheelchairs are used as typical mobility devices rather than for people who are only ill or sickly. In past decades, segregating people with disabilities in separate schools and institutions reinforced the perception that people with disabilities could only interact with others who have disabilities. Any person who does not have a disability can offer assistance, but most people with disabilities prefer to take responsibility for their own care when physically possible both in the community, within all parts of society. It is okay for curious children to ask questions about disability. Discouraging curious children from asking questions teaches children that having a difference or disability is wrong or bad. Many people with a disability will not mind answering a child’s question. People with disabilities go to school, get married, have families, do laundry, grocery shop, laugh, cry, pay taxes, get angry, have prejudices, plan and dream about their future like everyone else. It is important to encourage participation from people with disabilities by providing accessible meeting and event sites. It is important for advocates to speak up when negative words or phrases are used for people with a variety of disabilities.

Cerebral palsy can affect someone who has it in a variety of ways. Some people with cerebral palsy can be impacted by having the limited verbal ability, limited cognitive ability, all four limbs affected or just their legs impacted. Some people use one cane or crutch; some people use a walker or two crutches. Some people use a manual wheelchair or motorized wheelchair. Some people may have some nutritional issues due to some difficulty feeding themselves or having digestive issues. You may have met one classmate, colleague or friend with cerebral palsy, but that does not mean even everyone is impacted in the same way by the same diagnosis. All people with disabilities deserve the same level of respect and it is important to help those with disabilities advocate against social misconceptions.


Sunday, January 28, 2024

National Corn Chip Day



Each portion of food equals
60 calories
Dips: Salsa (10 kcal/Tbsp) and
Fat free Ranch Dressing (15 kcal/Tbsp)


Nutritional Analysis Services

Ensure accurate and cost effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.

For more information, visit Dietitians-Online Nutritional Analysis Services

contact:
Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND
recipenews@gmail.com
954-294-6300




Saturday, January 13, 2024

National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day


Ingredients
2 slices Rye Bread
1 tsp Mustard
Lettuce leaf

2 slices Tomatoes
oz Pastrami
1/2 oz Swiss Cheese

Directions
1. Top one slice of
 Rye Bread with mustard, lettuce, tomato, pastrami, and Swiss cheese.
2. Top with the second slice of rye bread.

3. Heat in oven or toaster oven until Swiss cheese melts.


Notes

The sandwich is high in saturated fat and sodium. Balance the rest of your day by choosing foods low in sodium and saturated fat. An educated consumer has the ability to make wise food choices.


Nutritional Information









January is National Get Organized Month


The 
National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) Get Organized (GO) Month. GO Month is dedicated to raising awareness of the benefits of being organized. 


I always considered myself an organized person, but sometime in the 1980s, I started saving everything from – old lesson plans, grocery receipts (from recipe testing), scrap papers with numbers (no names), clothes (from size 2 to 24); my son’s artwork; ADA journals; textbooks, VHS; cassettes; broken phones; wires.. the list is too long to include everything here. 

In September, I started to go through my collection of “stuff” to see what I had and what I no longer needed. I knew this would be a massive undertaking; this was almost 30 years of my life collecting dust in boxes, files, drawers, cupboards, closets, the garage, and the attic. In just 3 months, I had thrown out over 15 large garbage bags of junk and still did not feel I had made a dent. 

This week, I decided to focus only on one part of the house. I chose my office, which is connected to my bedroom. I would not be going through my clothes yet, but it was on the to-do list. I gathered all the boxes from my office, bedroom, under-the-bed, cupboards, shelves, drawers, filing cabinets, and the hidden closet. I placed everything in my den to use as my staging area. This was also the only place in my home that still had a record player. I thought while I was going through this massive amount of paper, I would listen to some of my old favorites before I donated (or threw out) my albums. I have to check to see if they are recyclable. 


Who Is NAPO?
The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) is a group of about 4,200 professional organizers dedicated to helping individuals and businesses bring order and efficiency to their lives. Their vision is to have the world recognize the value of organizing and turn to NAPO as the leading organizing authority. Their mission is to develop, lead, and promote professional organizers and the organizing industry. In addition to serving professional organizers, they aim to help consumers and those interested in becoming professional organizers.


Get Rid of Clutter



Benefits of Organization
Organization improves one’s work, life, financial situation and frees up time and space.

10 Benefits of Getting Organized
1. Stress levels will go down, and there will be less chaos and a more relaxed life.
2. Efficiency gets projects done quicker with less time wasted on looking for things and being able to make quicker decisions.
3. An organized person is able to fit in time for friends, family members, and helping out in the community.
4. Getting organized helps you feel better about your environment, and you are more likely to invite people into your environment without embarrassment.
5. You'll be a better role model for your children.
6. Get organized, and you'll have more than enough time to exercise and cook healthy meals for yourself and your family.
7. An organized environment also tends to be a much cleaner environment.
8. An organized person gives a much better business impression than someone who can't find a phone number, has an office piled with cardboard boxes, or is always late for appointments.
9. When you're organized, you'll always know what you have before you buy more.
10. Organized people find ways to eliminate tasks that aren't necessary and to streamline those that are taking too much time. This leaves plenty of time to work on achieving your goals. 


“Organization brings a level of peace and tranquility to your life,” says Jennifer Snyder of Neat as a Pin! Organizing Experts. Snyder also advises people not to keep things around “just in case.” 


“Clutter makes noise; it makes energetic noise. It sucks your energy from you.” Clutter also attracts dust and pests. “Clutter is basically sending a message there’s something in your life that you need to get at. 


Snyder organizes for no more than four hours at a time to give her clients time to adjust to the improvements. “It didn’t get that way overnight. It’s a lifestyle change. You’re changing the way you think about things and becoming more emotionally healthy,” she said. 


What to do with castoffs. Once space is organized, there will be bags of items to discard. An itemized list of donations to receive tax deductions and discard things properly, such as erasing computer hard drives before dropping them off at a donation center.



Being better organized can provide
energy, time, and happiness. 


Get the Children Involved


Resources:
National Association of Professional Organizers 


A Final Message.


I read that one should take a photo of your child's artwork, and then the boxes of schoolwork can be thrown away. I had one problem - my son. As I was admiring the years of his efforts, he came by to see how I was doing. With a look of shock and horror - Jake told me how could I throw away his work? "I made it for you, mom."

So here is the photo. I ended up keeping his cherished work. I guess I'm not ready to get rid of everything yet.







Friday, January 12, 2024

January 12, National Marzipan Day

Don’t let this basket of fruit fool you. The shapes are made with marzipan. Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal.




Make Marzipan Fruit 




Thursday, January 4, 2024

Whipped Cream Day

Whipped cream is cream that has been beaten by a mixer, whisk, or fork until it is light and fluffy. Whipped cream is often sweetened and sometimes flavored with vanilla and is often called Chantilly cream or crème Chantilly. Wikipedia



Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 40 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com 954-294-6300.







Monday, December 18, 2023

Chronicle Carrots. Unveiling the Allure, Nutrition, and Culinary Adventures of Nature's Orange Gems

Carrots
The carrot is a root vegetable, usually orange in color, though purple, red, white, and yellow varieties are available. It has a crisp texture when fresh. Carrots add sweetness and color to stews, soups, stir-fries, slaws, and cakes, plus an excellent source of Vitamin A and a good source of fiber.


Nutritional Information

Carrots are known for their rich supply of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Research has focused on the health benefits of vision, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.


Green Giant - Create your own veggie house http://bit.ly/2QpCrnz


Recipe: Carrot Ginger Bisque
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: about 1 cup

Ingredients
2 cups Vegetable Broth, low-sodium
1.5 cup Carrots, diced
1/4 cup Cranberries, dried, sweetened
1 box (17.6 oz) Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque, Pacific Natural Foods
3/4 cup White Beans, unsalted, drained

Directions
Heat the vegetable broth. Add diced carrots and dried cranberries. Simmer until carrots and cranberries are tender. Using a strainer, separate the carrots and cranberries from the broth. Reserve carrots and cranberries.

Combine the broth and "Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque". Heat over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. Add the white beans and reserved carrots and cranberries. Mix and reheat to serving temperature.

Notes. I used a low-sodium vegetable broth to lower the sodium content of the Cashew Carrot Ginger Bisque. I garnished the recipe with white beans, diced carrots, and dried cranberries to increase the fiber content.



Nutrition Information

Growing Carrots: Red, Yellow, Purple & Orange




Growing carrots can be a rewarding experience, and with the proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, homegrown carrots. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow carrots:

1. Choose the Right Variety: Select a carrot variety suited to your growing conditions. Some are ideal for containers, while others thrive in traditional garden beds.

2. Select a Suitable Location: Carrots prefer well-drained soil with loose, sandy loam. Ensure the chosen spot receives full sunlight for at least six hours daily.

3. Prepare the Soil: Remove rocks and debris from the soil, and then loosen it to a depth of 12 inches. Carrots need loose soil to grow straight and develop properly.

4. Sow the Seeds: Plant carrot seeds directly in the soil, as they don't transplant well. Sow the seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and space them according to the recommended distance on the seed packet.

5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period. Once the plants are established, provide a deep watering once a week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist.

6. Thinning: When the seedlings reach a few inches tall, thin them to ensure proper spacing. Crowded carrots can result in stunted growth. Leave about 2 inches between each plant.

7. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. This is especially beneficial in warmer climates.

8. Fertilizing: Carrots are light feeders, but a balanced fertilizer or a layer of well-rotted compost at planting time can provide essential nutrients.

9. Pest Control: Watch for pests like carrot rust flies and use row covers to protect your plants. Companion planting with aromatic herbs like basil and rosemary can also help deter pests.

10. Harvesting: Carrots are typically ready for harvest 60 to 80 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest when they reach the desired size, usually between 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter.

11. Selection. Carrots should be firm, smooth, crisp, fresh, deep in color, and free of cuts.

12. Storage: Remove the tops and store carrots in a cool, humid environment after harvesting. 
Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Following these steps, you can cultivate a successful crop of fresh, flavorful carrots in your garden. Happy growing!


Recipes and Serving Ideas.

Roasted Carrot Sticks.
Toss carrot sticks with a touch of olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite herbs (like thyme or rosemary), and roast until they're tender. A simple and tasty snack or side dish.


Carrot Ginger Soup.
Simmer chopped carrots with ginger, onions, and vegetable broth until soft. Blend until smooth for a velvety soup. Season with herbs like coriander or cumin for extra flavor.


Steamed Carrot Medley.
Steam a mix of colorful carrots and toss them with a light vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt substitute.


Carrot and Raisin Salad.
Combine shredded carrots with raisins, chopped apples, and a light dressing made from apple cider vinegar, a touch of honey, and a sprinkle of black pepper.


Grilled Carrot Skewers.
Thread carrot chunks onto skewers, brush with a bit of olive oil, and grill until they have a beautiful char. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley before serving.


Carrot and Cucumber Slaw.
Create a refreshing slaw by combining julienned carrots and cucumbers. Toss with a dressing made of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a hint of lemon juice.


Baked Carrot Fries.
Slice carrots into thin strips, toss with a small amount of olive oil and bake until crispy. Season with herbs like paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.


Carrot and Lentil Stew.
Cook carrots, lentils, onions, and garlic in a low-sodium vegetable broth until tender. Season with herbs and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander for a warming and nutritious stew.


Remember to adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy these delicious and health-conscious carrot recipes!

Summary Serving Ideas.
1. Add shredded raw carrots to salads.
2. Add carrots or puree carrots to make a carrot soup.
3. Combine cooked carrots with dried fruit 
4. Snack with a low-fat dip or plain.

Conclusion.
Let carrots' vibrant colors and nutritional richness inspire your culinary adventures. Whether enjoyed in classic preparations or paired with sweet raisins and other complementary selections, carrots are a versatile and delightful addition to your meals. Elevate your plate, celebrate the harvest, and savor the wholesome goodness of this humble yet extraordinary vegetable.


Resources

1. Fruits & Veggies More Matters: Carrots
2. Great Britain Carrots
: Carrots
3. WebMD: 
Carrots: Nutrition, Benefits, Risks, & Preparation

Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 35 years of experience. An excellent service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND  at recipenews@gmail.com 


 

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Oatmeal Muffin Day,
Magical Oatmeal Muffins

A muffin is a type of quick bread baked in portions suitable for one person. They come in both savory varieties, such as corn or cheese muffins, or sweet varieties such as blueberry or apple.




Magical Oatmeal Muffins, Rebecca Longshore 
Cooking Light  http://bit.ly/2oJvBeX

yields: 12 muffins
Ingredients
2 cups rolled oats
2 ripe bananas
2 eggs
1 cup 2% Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash of salt

Topping Suggestions
– cinnamon and apple chunks
– strawberries and blueberries
– chocolate chips and almonds
– strawberries and chocolate chips
– unsweetened coconut
– anything your heart desires



Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place 12 pieces of parchment paper or muffin-cup liners in muffin cups, or spray tin with cooking spray.
2. Throw all of the ingredients in the blender; blend until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle with toppings of your choice.
4. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool muffins in pan for 5 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on a wire rack.


Nutritional Information

Yield: 12 muffins  
1 Muffin =
Calories 115
Fat 2g
Sat 1g 
Protein 5g
Carb 20g
Fiber 2g
Chol 32mg
Iron 1mg
Sodium 156mg
Sugar 8g


 


Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years experience. A great service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, LN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Giving Tuesday
Gifts that Make a Difference

You can purchase gifts to support causes, educate and foster awareness, and show you care about a loved one's health. These gifts make a difference in a person's life. The gifts listed below are just samples of what is available. Please check the websites to view the entire catalog.


Donate to a Food Bank

A Guide to Practical and/or Healthy Food Staples to your Local Food Bank.

Breakfast Foods to Donate
Whole Grain Cereal
Rolled Oats
Pancake Mix
Baby Cereal
Syrup

Lunch and Dinner Foods to Donate
Tuna Fish
Canned Chicken
Peanut Butter
No-Nut Butter
Jelly
Whole grain pasta
Brown Rice
Canned Beans
Dry Beans
Canned Vegetables (low sodium/no salt)
Canned Fruit (light syrup/in own juices)
Pasta Sauce
Condiments
Dry Goods – Sugar, Flour, Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Spices
Baby Food

Snack Foods to Donate
Applesauce
Raisins
Dry Fruit
Granola Bars
Whole Grain Crackers
Trail Mix
Nuts

Fresh Foods (Not All Food Banks Offer)
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh Fruit
Yogurt
Milk
Eggs
Bread
Frozen Vegetables


What not to donate to a food bank

The number one rule to remember is this: if your donation is perishable, i.e., it’s something with a limited shelf life if not refrigerated, food banks won’t accept it. But there are other categories of food that you can’t donate.

Items needing refrigeration:
Food like produce, dairy, and meat can spoil quickly, and your local food bank may require the refrigerator or freezer space needed to keep these items fresh. 
Many food banks work directly with farmers, retailers, restaurants, and other companies to source these perishable foods for donation. 

Expired food: When considering what to donate, think about what you’d be comfortable serving your family. Chances are, you don’t eat food past its “use-by” or “sell-by” date, so avoid donating anything past those dates to food banks as it could be unsafe to eat.

Leftovers: While sharing the bountiful food from big meals like Thanksgiving may be tempting, keeping leftovers for the family is best. To ensure the people they serve are safe, food banks can’t accept leftovers or anything made in personal kitchens because they aren’t individually sealed. The food bank can’t verify the ingredients or preparation process.

Food with packaging concerns: This includes food with damaged packaging, such as dented or bloated cans, packaging that is already open, or even items in glass containers, which can shatter and cause food safety concerns for any other food they’re stored near. A good rule of thumb is if you wouldn't consider buying it new, don't donate it.

Baked goods: Like leftovers, food banks can’t confirm how your baked goods were made or their ingredients, so they can’t be donated. However, food banks often have relationships with local restaurants or bakeries that donate extra food appropriately labeled and handled to nearby pantries, soup kitchens, or shelters.

Just a note: You can ‘clean out your cabinets’ and donate, and some food banks can use the food after it is expired, but think of the Golden Rule. Would you want someone to give YOU their expired food? It’s better than wasting it, but be gracious and loving.


Finding a Charity, You Can Trust
Charity Navigator
and more...

Gifts to Support a Cause




The Humane Society is the nation's largest animal protection organization. They work to reduce suffering and improve the lives of all animals by advocating for better laws, investigating animal cruelty, encouraging corporations to adopt animal-friendly policies, conducting disaster relief and animal rescue, and providing direct care for thousands of animals at our sanctuaries, emergency shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and mobile veterinary clinics.


Gifts to Educate and Foster Awareness
Books by Dietitians
 Dietitians-Online Books by RDNs 



National Nutrition Month®  at the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
 Check out the National Nutrition Month® catalog for exciting products featuring the Eat Right Campaign.
 Perfect for colleagues and clients alike!

Dietitian Blog List