A Shrimp-filled Journey from around the World

Global Shrimp Delights: A Culinary Journey. Join us on a shrimp-filled journey worldwide, from prawn curry (India) to Paella (Spain).

Resources and Recipes

1. LouisianaShrimp Association

2. Food Network, Healthy Shrimp Recipes
3. TasteAtlas, Shrimp, and Pawn Dishes Around the World. 

Stamp Out Hunger with the National Association of Letter Carriers

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the National Association of Letter Carriers will do its part to Stamp Out Hunger across America. Now in its 34th year, the Stamp Out Hunger effort is the nation's largest single-day food drive, having collected more than 1 billion pounds of food since its inception in 1993. In 2012, Americans donated more than 70 million pounds of food, marking the ninth consecutive year that at least 70 million pounds were collected. 


The Stamp Out Hunger food drive provides food to local food banks and pantries that rely on donations. With more than 50 million Americans at risk of hunger, food banks nationwide continue to experience record demand for emergency food assistance.

Donate items, such as canned meats, fish, soup, bottled juice, vegetables, pasta, cereal, and rice that do not require refrigeration. Please do not include expired items or glass containers.

Help out

Place non-perishable food products in a bag and leave
them on your mailbox. Your Letter Carrier will deliver
the food to local food banks.

To find out how you can help, go to

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

National Barrier Awareness Day - Barriers to Health Care

Barriers to Health Care

• “After you turn into an adult with cerebral palsy, there is little medical support. Most of the studies, surgeries, and what have you are done with children with cerebral palsy. I walk into a doctor’s office and say I have cerebral palsy and get “that look” from the doctor. The look most adults with CP have seen numerous times in their life, the look of “Oh crap, I am going to have to Google this when I get home.” - Mary Catherine

People with disabilities encounter a range of barriers when they attempt to access health care including the following.

Prohibitive costs

Affordability of health services and transportation are two main reasons why people with disabilities do not receive needed health care in low-income countries - 32-33% of non-disabled people are unable to afford health care compared to 51-53% of people with disabilities.

Limited availability of services
The lack of appropriate services for people with disabilities is a significant barrier to health care. For example, research in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states of India found that after the cost, the lack of services in the area was the second most significant barrier to using health facilities.

Physical barriers
Uneven access to buildings (hospitals, health centers), inaccessible medical equipment, poor signage, narrow doorways, internal steps, inadequate bathroom facilities, and inaccessible parking areas create barriers to health care facilities. For example, women with mobility difficulties are often unable to access breast and cervical cancer screening because examination tables are not height-adjustable and mammography equipment only accommodates women who are able to stand.

Inadequate skills and knowledge of health workers
People with disabilities were more than twice as likely to report finding health care provider skills inadequate to meet their needs, four times more likely to report being treated badly and nearly three times more likely to report being denied care.

Addressing barriers to health care

Governments can improve health outcomes for people with disabilities by improving access to quality, affordable health care services, which make the best use of available resources. As several factors interact to inhibit access to health care, reforms in all the interacting components of the health care system are required.

Policy and legislation
Assess existing policies and services, identify priorities to reduce health inequalities, and plan improvements for access and inclusion. Establish health care standards related to the care of persons with disabilities with enforcement mechanisms.

Service delivery

Provide a broad range of modifications and adjustments (reasonable accommodation) to facilitate access to health care services. For example, changing the physical layout of clinics to provide access for people with mobility difficulties or communicating health information in accessible formats such as Braille. Empower people with disabilities to maximize their health by providing information, training, and peer support. Promote community-based rehabilitation (CBR) to facilitate access for disabled people to existing services. Identify groups that require alternative service delivery models, for example, targeted services or care coordination to improve access to health care.

Human resources
Integrate disability education into undergraduate and continuing education for all healthcare professionals. Train community workers so that they can play a role in preventive health care services. Provide evidence-based guidelines for assessment and treatment.

WHO response

In order to improve access to health services for people with disabilities, promote strategies to ensure that people with disabilities are knowledgeable about their own health conditions and that healthcare personnel support and protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

Resources
1. Access To Medical Care for Individuals With Mobility Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights
2. Disability and Health, World Health Organization

May 6, International No Diet Day - A Celebration of Body Acceptance and Body Shape Diversity

International No Diet Day (INDD) is annually observed on May 6th. It is a celebration of body acceptance and body shape diversity. The day is dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of diets. A blue ribbon is used to symbolized INDD cause.

The INDD was created in 1992 by Mary Evans Young, a British woman who decided to fight the diet industry in order to raise awareness of the dangers of dieting, anorexia nervosa, and other eating disorders.

The Goals of the INDD:
1. Doubt the idea of one "right" body shape.
2. Raise awareness of weight discrimination, size bias, and fatphobia.
3. Declare a free day from diets and obsessions to body weight.
4. Present the facts about the diet industry, emphasizing the inefficacy of commercial diets.
5. Show how diets perpetuate violence against women.
6. Honor the Victims of eating disorders and weight-loss surgeries.

Resources:
International No Diet Day. Wikipedia 

Stay Hydrated. Dress up Your Water

Stay hydrated with infused water! Dress up your water with fruit. Perfect for hot days or when you're active. Celebrate National #Beverage Day and Drinking #Water Week with a refreshing twist! #StayHydrated

Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Our body needs water to keep cool. Persons who are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Limit caffeinated beverages and do not drink alcoholic beverages. 

Staying hydrated is important, especially when the temperature rises or during increased physical activity. Try these easy ways to increase your fluid intake:

1. Carry a reusable water bottle. Keep it full.
2. Add flavor to your water, such as slices of lemon, lime, cucumber or strawberries. Herbal iced teas can be a great way to increase fluids.
3. Eat Fruit or Popsicle. You can get fluids from the foods you eat. Watermelon and cantaloupe have high water content. A 100% fruit juice pop provides fluids and is refreshing on a hot day.
4. Plan ahead. If you are going to be outside at a picnic or ball game, make sure to pack plenty of fluids

Resources.
1. Drinking Water Week, American Water Works Association
2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hydrate Right

Fiesta Flavors: Cinco de Mayo Delights!

Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is often mistakenly thought to be Mexico's Independence Day, but that is actually celebrated on September 16. Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

During Cinco de Mayo celebrations, food is integral, with many traditional Mexican dishes being served. Some popular foods typically enjoyed on Cinco de Mayo include:

1. Tacos - Perhaps the most universally loved Mexican dish, tacos on Cinco de Mayo can come in many varieties, from classic carne asada (grilled beef) to al pastor (marinated pork) and fish tacos.

2. Enchiladas are tortillas rolled around a filling (often meat) and covered with chili pepper sauce. They can be made with a variety of sauces and fillings.

3. Tamales are dough (made from masa) filled with meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, or chilies, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed.

4. Guacamole and Chips. This dip is made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro and served with tortilla chips. It’s a staple at many festive gatherings.

5. Pozole Soup - This is a traditional soup or stew made from hominy, with meat (typically pork) and garnished with cabbage, chile peppers, onion, garlic, radishes, avocado, salsa, or limes.

6. Churros is a sweet treat made from fried dough. They are often sprinkled with sugar and served with chocolate sauce for dipping.

These dishes are often accompanied by Mexican beverages such as margaritas, cerveza (beer), and horchata (a sweet drink made from rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon). Celebrations include not only food but also music, dancing, and decorations with vibrant colors, embodying the lively spirit of the day.

Cinco de Mayo

Nacho in a Cup with Plantain Chips

Hoagie Meets Cinco de Mayo

There are different stories about how the hoagie was discovered, but most of them originate from the Philadelphia area. The sandwich contains various meats, cheeses, and lettuce between two slices of bread or a loaf cut in half.

Ingredients

1.5 oz Whole Wheat Roll

20 g (3/4 oz) Salami
1/2 oz Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 oz Turkey Bread
Salsa
Jalapeno
Red Peppers
Tomato Slice
Shredded Lettuce

Resources:
1. Recipes Perfect for Any Cinco de Mayo Party, FoodNetwork.
2. Mexican-In spired Party Ideas Perfect For Cinco De Mayo, Delish.

May 4, National Orange Juice Day - Nutrition, Health, Recipes and History

The Benefits of Orange Juice

Orange juice is rich in Vitamin C. It helps maintain healthy teeth and gums; improves circulation; enhances iron absorption and helps resist infections. Orange juice contains Hesperidin, a bioflavonoid that may lower the risk of heart disease.

Bottled Sunshine...A Juicy Story (1968)

Part of the story of Florida citrus cultivation, processing and manufacturing. Produced by Hack Swain Productions; sponsored by Tropicana Products.

 

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

How to Start a Lemonade Stand

Lemonade Day
Do you remember the Lemonade Stands? 

Today, the children have better marketing skills.

Lemonade Day is a fun, experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own, and operate a lemonade stand. Participating cities allow youth to experience entrepreneurship each year by setting up their businesses during their city's community-wide Lemonade Day.

By teaching key analytical skills, financial literacy, and decision-making, we foster self-esteem and new mindsets that can propel youth to success. Our mission is to help today's youth become the business leaders, social advocates, community volunteers, and forward-thinking citizens of tomorrow.

How to Start a Lemonade Stand: A Guide for Kids and Parents

A lemonade stand is more than just a fun summertime tradition; it’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to explore entrepreneurship, learn valuable life skills, and connect with their community. With the support of parents, children can turn a simple idea into a meaningful experience.

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Why Start a Lemonade Stand?

Starting a lemonade stand offers kids hands-on lessons in business basics, including marketing, budgeting, and customer service. Parents play a key role by offering guidance and resources, helping their children learn how to plan, problem-solve, and work toward a goal.

This activity also provides quality family bonding time and teaches core values like responsibility, perseverance, and creativity.

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Benefits of a Lemonade Stand for Kids

1. Developing Entrepreneurial Skills: Kids learn to create a business plan, set prices, manage inventory, and promote their stand. These early lessons provide a strong foundation for future ventures.

2. Learning Responsibility Running a lemonade stand involves handling money, managing supplies, and serving customers—all great ways to build accountability and independence.

3. Encouraging Creativity. From designing signs to inventing new lemonade flavors, kids get to express themselves and build creative thinking skills.

4. Building Confidence. Successfully managing a stand can boost a child’s self-esteem and encourage a positive attitude toward challenges.

5. Teaching Work Ethic Children learn the value of hard work and persistence, key traits for school and life success.

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Planning Your Lemonade Stand Business

Choose a Great Location. Look for areas with high foot traffic, such as parks, beaches, or outside grocery stores.

Design Your Stand and Signage Use bright colors and fun decorations to make your stand inviting. Eye-catching signs can draw in more customers.

Decide on a Menu and Price. Offer a variety of lemonade flavors or snacks. Price your items to cover costs and allow for a small profit.

Create a Budget and Track Profits. Help your child outline the costs (cups, lemons, sugar, etc.) and calculate potential earnings. This is a great lesson in financial literacy.

Marketing and Running the Stand

Promote Your Stand Use flyers, social media (with a parent’s help), and word-of-mouth to attract customers. Offering discounts or special deals can increase sales.

Create a Fun Atmosphere. Add music, decorations, or a theme to make your stand stand out and create a memorable customer experience.

Provide Excellent Customer Service. Teach your child to greet customers warmly, answer questions, and thank them for their support.

Handle Money Safely: Give your child opportunities to count change and track sales—important skills in budgeting and accuracy.

Maintain Cleanliness and Safety. Ensure the stand area is clean, drinks are handled hygienically, and safety rules are followed. Teach kids to be mindful of hazards and respectful of their space.

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Starting a lemonade stand is a rewarding journey beyond selling drinks. It teaches kids how to set goals, work hard, and build confidence. With a little support from parents, young entrepreneurs can develop the skills and mindset they’ll carry for life.

Recipe: Raspberry Lemonade

Raspberries contain high levels of ellagic acid, a polyphenol and antioxidant being studied as a food in the fight against cancer. They are also rich in anthocyanins, a flavonoid compound that gives them their red color. Anthocyanins may help protect the circulatory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Raspberries are a rich source of vitamin C, manganese, and dietary fiber and are a low-glycemic index food.

Herb Day

Herb Day

Instead of salt, use herbs, spices, lemon juice, and/or vinegar to enhance the taste of your food. The health benefits are life-long.

Enhance the Flavor of Foods with Herbs

Wikipedia has provided an extensive list of culinary herbs and spices. The list does not contain salt (which is a mineral) or plants used primarily as herbal teas or medicinal herbs. Explore the different flavors and cultures.

Tips for Selecting and Storing Herbs and Spices

Spice it Up with
Susan Bowerman, MS, RD, CSSD

Tuna Creations, Sustainable Seas World Tuna Day

Tuna Creations, Sustainable Seas. From classic to stylish, each dish offers a taste of the ocean's bounty, sustainably sourced and beautifully served. #WorldTunaDay #tuna

Tuna is a saltwater fish belonging to the mackerel family (Scombridae). It is one of the few fish species that can maintain a body temperature higher than that of the surrounding water.

Mercury Concerns

Questions & Answers from the FDA/EPA Advice on What Pregnant Women and Parents Should Know about Eating Fish, FDA

Fish are a high-quality protein source, and lower mercury fish are a good choice for everyone. This advice is specifically for women who are pregnant, might become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, and for young children, but everyone can follow this advice.

Albacore has more omega-3 fat per ounce, but since it comes from a larger tuna species, it also has more mercury. On the other hand, chunk light comes from a smaller fish species and has less mercury and omega-3 fat.

The Food and Drug Administration and EPA recommend that women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing moms and young children eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) of lower-mercury fish and shellfish each week. Since albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than light tuna, when choosing your 2 fish, you can safely eat up to 6 ounces of albacore tuna each week (which is a healthy serving of tuna for one average meal).

Use the chart to help you choose which fish to eat each week. Eating a variety of fish is better for you and your child than eating the same type every time.

Canned Tuna
Tuna is one of the easiest protein sources to keep on stock for a quick meal.


Choosing the Right Can
Water and Oil-packed tuna can be used to create a healthy recipe. The most common water-packed varieties in the market are albacore and chunk light. Albacore has a milder flavor, while chunk light tends to have a stronger flavor. Three ounces of tuna canned in water has the following nutrition information:

Recipe

Tomato, Tuna & Tarragon Salad

Serves 6

Ingredients.
1/2 cup diced Red Onion
1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
Freshly Ground Pepper To Taste
6-ounce, 2 cans chunk light tuna in olive oil, water-packed
2 Celery stalks, thinly sliced
1/4 cup Packed coarsely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
8 cups torn lettuce, or mixed greens

Directions.

1. Place the onion in a small bowl and cover with cold water. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Drain.

2. Whisk mayonnaise and pepper in a medium bowl. Add tuna, celery, tarragon, and onion; stir to combine. Serve on top of the lettuce (or mixed greens) with tomato and lemon wedges.

Resources

1. World Tuna Day, United Nations
2. Healthy Canned-Tuna Recipes, Skinnytaste

Scurvy Awareness. A Story About Ollie the Orange

 May 2nd is Scurvy Awareness Day. Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C and is still prevalent in certain populations around the world.

Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, and swollen gums. Thankfully, scurvy is easy to prevent by incorporating foods rich in vitamin C into your diet, such as citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, peppers, and broccoli. Let's spread awareness about the importance of getting enough vitamin C to prevent scurvy! #ScurvyAwareness #VitaminC #HealthyDiet

Ollie, the Orange Fights Scurvy

Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived an orange named Ollie. Ollie was a sweet, juicy, and plump orange who lived in a sunny orchard with his friends. He loved nothing more than basking in the sun and growing big and strong.

One day, while enjoying a sunny day in the orchard, Ollie overheard a group of fruits talking about a scary disease called scurvy. They said that scurvy happened when someone did not eat enough vitamin C and that it could cause a person to become very sick.

Ollie was a curious orange, and he wanted to learn more about this scary disease. So, he decided to ask the wise lemon who lived in the orchard.

The wise lemon told Ollie that vitamin C was very important for keeping our bodies healthy and strong. She said that fruits and vegetables were the best sources of vitamin C and that people who did not get enough of this vitamin could get sick with scurvy.

Ollie was very worried about the people who might get sick with scurvy. He knew he had to do something to help. So, Ollie gathered all of his vitamin C-rich friends, and they decided to team up and spread the word about the importance of eating foods rich in vitamin C.

Together, the fruits and vegetables made posters and held a rally in the town square. They sang songs and handed out oranges to everyone they met. They even talked to the news, who promised to spread the word about vitamin C and scurvy to all the people in the world.

Thanks to Ollie and his vitamin C-rich friends, the people of their community learned about the importance of eating foods rich in vitamin C, like the ones on their signs. They started to eat more fruits and vegetables, and scurvy became a thing of the past. And Ollie the Orange became a hero in the land, known for his bravery, kindness, and juicy goodness.

Ollie is Our Hero

May Wellness News

May Produce

Events

Monthly
Women's Health Care Month 
Older Americans Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
Worldwide Home-Schooling Awareness
Heal the Children Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month
National Celiac Disease Awareness Month
High Blood Pressure Education Month
National Mental Health Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
National Stroke Awareness Month
Ultraviolet Awareness Month
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage
Haitian Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Latino Books Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Gifts from the Garden Month
National Amaranth Day
American Cheese Month 
National Asparagus Month
National Artisan Gelato Month 
National Barbecue Month
National Beef Month
National Egg Month
National Hamburger Month
International Mediterranean Diet Month
National Salad Month
National Salsa Month
National Strawberry Month
National Sweet Vidalia Onions Month
National Vinegar Month
National Bike Month
National Meditation Month
National Photo Month
National Smile Month (05/16-06/16)
Clean Air Month
National Military Appreciation Month
National Family Month
Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month

Weekly
3-9 Be Kind to Animals Week®
3-9 Hurricane Preparedness Week
3-9 Turnoff Week
3-9 Drinking Water Week
3-9 National Pet Week
4-10 Children's Book Week
4-8 North American Occupational Safety & Health Week
4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week
10-16 National Women's Health Week|
10-16 Food Allergy Awareness Week
11-17 Salt Awareness Week
11-17 National Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week

Daily Events

1 Executive Coaching Day,  May Day, Mother Goose Day, National Chocolate Parfait Day, National High Potassium Awareness Day, School Lunch Hero Day

2 Truffles Day, World Tuna Day, Scurvy Awareness Day, Kentucky Derby, Herb Day, National Fitness Day,  National Play Outside Day, Lemonade Day

3  World Press Freedom Day, Chocolate Custard Day, Raspberry Popover, Garden Meditation, National Special-abled Pets Day

4  National Orange Juice Day

5  Cinco de Mayo,  National Hoagie Day, Totally Chipotle Day, National Teacher Day, World Hand Hygiene Day

6  No Homework, International No Diet Day,  Beverage Day, Crepe Suzette Day,

7  Roast Leg of Lamb Day, Packaging Design Day, Barrier Awareness Day, Cosmopolitan Day

8  World Red Cross Day, World Ovarian Cancer Day,  Animal Disaster Preparedness, Military Spouse Appreciation Day

9  National Butterscotch Brownie Day, National Moscato Day, Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive 

10   National Shrimp Day, National Lipid Day, Clean Up Your Room Day, Mother's day

11 Eat What You Want Day,  Minnesota, 32nd State, National Mocha Torte Day,  Women's Check-up Day

12  National Nutty Fudge Day,  Day of Plant Health

13 Fruit Cocktail Day, Apple Pie Day, Hummus Day, Crouton Day

14  Buttermilk Biscuit Day

15  International Day of Families, National Chocolate Chip Day, National Slider Day

16 Coquilles St. Jacques Day, National Love a Tree Day, National Barbecue Day, Mimosa Day, National Pizza Party Day, California Strawberry Day

17 World Telecommunications Day, World Hypertension Day, National Cherry Cobbler Day, National Walnut Day

18   Intl Museum Day, National Cheese Soufflé Day, National No Dirty Dishes Day

19 Devil's Food Cake Day, World Crohn's and Colitis Day, World IBD Day

20 National Rescue Dog Day, National Quiche Lorraine Day, Pick Strawberries Day, World Bee Day, National Juice Slush Day

21 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue & Development, Waitstaff, National Strawberries & Cream Day, International Tea Day, National Employee Health & Fitness Day, Eat More Fruits and  Vegetables Day

22 United Nations, International Day for Biological Diversity, National Maritime Day, National Vanilla Pudding Day, National Cooler Day, National Don’t Fry Day,  National Road Trip Day

23 National Taffy Day, World Turtle Day

24 Brother’s Day, Escargot Day, Yucatan Shrimp Day, Scavenger Hunt Day

25   National Brown-Bag-It Day, National Wine Day, World Thyroid Day, International Plastic Free Day

26   Cherry Dessert Day, National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, National Chardonnay Day

27   Grape Popsicle, National Senior Health & Fitness Day®

28    National Brisket Day, World Hunger Day, Menstrual Hygiene Day

29    Intl Day of United Nations   Peacekeepers,  Wisconsin, 30th State, Rhode Island, 13th State, National Coq Au Vin Day, Learn about Composting

30  National Mint Julep Day, National Creativity Day, World MS Day, Memorial Day, Hamburger Day International Day of the Potato

31 National Macaroon Day,  World No Tobacco Day, National Smile Day, Heat Safety Awareness Day 

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