September is Better Breakfast Month

*Children who eat breakfast are less likely to be overweight.

*Children who eat breakfast have more energy.

*Children who eat breakfast concentrate better.

*Children who eat breakfast have higher grades in school.

*Children who skip breakfast may have learning and behavioral problems.

*Children who skip breakfast may develop nutritional deficiencies.

*Children who eat breakfast are Alert, Energized, and Ready for a Brand New Day.

Breakfast Ideas

The presentation encourages food exploration 

International Clean Hands Week

Annually, the third week in September is
 International Clean Hands Week. 
A reminder clean hands prevent illness and save lives.

The 4 Principles of Hand Awareness

1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating
2. DO NOT cough into your hands
3. DO NOT sneeze into your hands
4. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth

Monte Cristo Sandwich - Make it Light

Yield: 4 sandwiches

Serving Size: 1 sandwich

Ingredients
3 tablespoons honey mustard
8 (1-ounce) slices white bread
4 (1-ounce) slices Swiss cheese
4 (1-ounce) thinly sliced smoked ham
1/3 cup fat-free milk
2 large egg whites
Cooking spray
2 teaspoons powdered sugar

Directions
1. Spread 1 teaspoon honey mustard over each bread slice.
2. Place 1 oz swiss cheese slice on each of 4 bread slices.
3. Divide ham evenly over cheese.
4. Cover with the remaining 4 bread slices, mustard sides down.
5. Combine milk and egg whites in a shallow dish. Dip both sides of each sandwich into milk mixture.
6. Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
7. Cook sandwiches for 3 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
8. Sprinkle each sandwich with 1/2 teaspoon powdered sugar.

Eat a Hoagie Day

A hoagie is also known as a submarine sandwich, sub, hero, or one of many regional names. The sandwich consists of a long roll of Italian or French bread, split width wise either into two pieces or opened in a "V" on one side, and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. 

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

Resource

Wikipedia, Submarine Sandwich

September Wellness News

Current News, Resources, and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. Wellness News is updated daily and includes weekly and daily events. 

Celebrate the flavors of September Produce! Fresh, seasonal, and nutritious. @Healthyfamprj https://healthyfamilyproject.com/whats-in-season-for-september/

September Health, Nutrition, and Food Events

 

Monthly

Hunger Action Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness
National Food Safety Education Month
Fruit and Veggies - More Matters Month
Better Breakfast Month
Family Meal Month
America on the Move
Go Wild During California Wild Rice Month
Great American Low-Cholesterol,
 Low-Fat Pizza Bake Month
National Biscuit Month
National Italian Cheese Month
National Chicken Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
National Coupon Month
National Ethnic Foods Month
National Honey Month
National Mushroom Month
National Organic Harvest Month
National Papaya Month
National Potato Month
National Prime Beef Month
National Rice Month
Whole Grains Month
Hug a Texas Chef Month
Healthy Aging Month
National Yoga Month
Malnutrition Awareness Month
Baby Safety Month
National Suicide Prevention Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
National Recovery Month
Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
National Menopause Awareness Month
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
Newborn Screening Awareness Month
National Service Dog Month
Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
World Alzheimer's Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month
(September 15 October 15)
National Preparedness Month
College Savings Month
Library Card Sign-up Month
Update Your Resume Month
International Women's Friendship Month
Pain Awareness Month
Self-Improvement Month
AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month
Mold Awareness Month

Weekly

1-7  International Enthusiasm Week

1-7 National Nutrition Week (India)

7-13  National Waffle Week

7-13  Suicide Prevention Week

7-13 National Assisted Living Week

14-20 International Clean Hands Week

21-27 National Farm Safety and Health Week

21-27 Remember to Register to VOTE

21-27 National Employ Older Workers

21-27 National Dog Week

Daily

1. Labor Day; National Cherry Popover Day; National Gyro Day; Random Acts of Kindness Day

2. Blueberry Popsicle Day; World Coconut Day; National Grits for Breakfast Day

3. National Welsh Rarebit Day; National Baby Back Ribs Day

4. Macadamia Nut Day; National Wildlife Day; Spice Blend Day

5. National Cheese Pizza Day; International Day of Charity, National Food Bank Day, Stand Up To Cancer Day

6. National Coffee Ice Cream Day; National Read A Book Day; Great Egg Toss Day, National Play Outside Day, National Tailgating Day

7. National Beer Lover’s Day; National Acorn Squash; National Salami Day; Bacon Day, Grandparents' Day

8. Intl Literacy Day; World Physical Therapy Day, Chef Appreciation Day

9. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day; California, 31st State; National Steak Au Poivre Day; National Wiener Schnitzel Day; Ants On A Log Day

10. World Suicide Prevention Day; Swap Ideas Day; TV Dinner Day

11. Patriot Day; Natl Hot Cross Bun Day; Day of Service and Remembrance

12. National Chocolate Milkshake Day; National Report Medicare Fraud Day

13. National Celiac Disease Awareness Day; National Peanut Day; Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day; Snack A Pickle Time, Farmers' Consumer Awareness Day, International Chocolate Day

14. Eat a Hoagie Day; National Kreme Filled Donut Day; National Coloring Day

15. National Linguine Day; National Cheese Toast Day; National Creme de Menthe Day; Greenpeace Day; National Online Learning Day; National Double Cheeseburger Day

16. National Guacamole Day; Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day; National Working Parents Day, National GED Day, National Voter Registration Day
17. Constitution Day; Apple Dumpling Day; National Monte Cristo Day

18. National HIV/AIDS &Aging Awareness; World Water Monitoring Day; National Cheeseburger Day; Read an E-book, National Teach Ag Day, Air Force Birthday, National Pawpaw Day

19. Butterscotch Pudding Day

20. National Punch Day; National String Cheese Day; National Pepperoni Pizza Day; National Fried Rice Day, International Eat An Apple Day, National Clean Up Day

21. World Gratitude Day; UN Intl Day of Peace; National Pecan Cookie Day; World Alzheimer's Day; National Chai Day

22. Rosh Hashanah, sundown; National White Chocolate Day; American Business Women’s Day; Dear Diary Day; National Ice Cream Cone Day; Family Day a Day to Eat Dinner with Your Kids

23. National Great American Pot Pie Day; National Snack Stick Day; Za'atar Day,  Dogs in Politics Day, Teal Talk Day

24. National Cherry Jubilee Day, National Familial Hypercholesterolemia Day, Women's Health & Fitness Day

25. World Ataxia Awareness Day; National Crab Newburg Day; National Cooking Day; National Quesadilla Day; National Lobster Day

26. National Pancake Day; National Dumpling Day; National Johnny Appleseed Day; National Better Breakfast Day, Hug A Vegetarian Day, National Bakery Day, Native American Day

27. World Tourism Day; National Chocolate Milk Day; National Corned Beef Hash Day, Vegan Bakery, Family Health and Fitness Day USA, R.E.A.D. in America Day,

28. National Strawberry Cream Pie Day; National Drink Beer Day, National Good Neighbor Day, World Rivers Day

29. World Heart Day; National Biscotti Day, International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Reduction, National Coffee Day, National Energy Drink Day

30. World Maritime Day; National Mulled Cider Day; National Chewing Gum Day; Extra Virgin Olive Oil Day; National Potato Month

	Months
	January	July
	February	August
	March	September
	April	October
	May	November
	June	December

 

Papaya Power: Sweet, Nutritious, and Versatile

The papaya is also known as papaw or pawpaw.  The papaya is a melon-like fruit with yellow-orange flesh. The skin varies in color from green to orange. Papayas are a good source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber.

Papaya Power: Sweet, Nutritious, and Versatile

The ripe papaya fruit is usually eaten raw, with or without skin or seeds, while the unripe green papaya can be cooked.  

Recipe

Papaya Salad with Tomatoes, Onions,
Peppers, Brown Rice, Black Beans

In the Disney film, The Jungle Book (1967), 

Baloo sings the song "The Bare Necessities."
Can you locate the Pawpaw in the song?

Resources
Fruits and Veggies, More Matters. Papaya
Wikipedia, Carica papaya

TV Dinner Day Tracing the Roots of Modern Day Obesity

Invention and view of the original TV dinner

Health Issues

TV dinners have been associated with high amounts of salt and fat, which are linked to risk factors of heart disease and obesity. Today, a number of manufacturers and retailers are making meals that are lower in salt, fat, and artificial additives.

Read the label, be an educated consumer.

Resource

FDA. How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label

National Acorn Squash Day - Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a good source of dietary fiber and potassium, as well as smaller amounts of vitamins C, vitamin B, magnesium, and manganese.

Recipe: Stuffed Acorn Squash with 

Brown Rice, Quinoa, Raisins,
Garbanzo Beans, and Apples 

Ingredients per one serving
1/2 Acorn Squash, seeded
1/3c Brown Rice and Quinoa, cooked
2 tsp Raisins
1 Tbsp Garbanzo Beans
1/4 cup diced Apples

Directions
Preheat oven to 350° degrees. Cut the squash in half and place cut side down in an aluminum foil-lined pan. Add two cups water. Bake at 350° for 35 to 45 minutes or until tender. 

Combine cooked brown rice, quinoa, raisins, garbanzo beans, and apples. Place half cup in acorn squash.

Nutrition Information

National Read a Book Day for the Young Foodie

  National Read a Book Day for the Young Foodie 

A day to inspire children to pick up a book and get reading. 

The Girls Who Lived in the Refrigerator Hardcover – July 30, 2024, by David Grotto (Author), Brian Dumm (Illustrator)

Good Enough to Eat: A Kid's Guide to Food and Nutrition
by Lizzy Rockwell  

Healthy Foods around the World
by Beth Bence Reinke, RDN  

National Geographic Kids Cookbook:
A Year-Round Fun FoodAdventure
by Barton Seave  

Kid Chef Junior: My First Kids Cookbook

by Anjali Shah  

Oh, The Things You Can Do That Are
Good for You: AllAbout Staying Healthy
by Tish Rabe  

National Food Bank Day - How we can make a difference?

In many ways, America is the land of plenty. But for 1 in 6 people in the United States, hunger is a reality. Many people believe that the problems associated with hunger are confined to small pockets of society, certain areas of the country, or certain neighborhoods, but the reality is much different.

Right now, millions of Americans are struggling with hunger. These are often hard-working adults, children, and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet and are forced to go without food for several meals, or even days.

It’s time to educate ourselves about the causes of hunger in America. 

Feeding America network of 200 food banks across the country are first-class organizations in the fight against hunger. They are more than just distribution centers, they are core to providing hope to the communities they serve.

The following is a summary of the information found on the Feeding America Website. 

Nearly 49 million people in America face hunger. That is 1 in 6 of the U.S. population – including more than 1 in 5 children. Don’t let their struggles go unheard. Join the Feeding America network of more than 200 food banks and Speak Out Against Hunger. 

Feeding America is the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Their mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.

Feeding America provides emergency food assistance to an estimated 37 million low-income people annually, a 46 percent increase from 25 million since Hunger in America 2010.

Among members of Feeding America, 74 percent of pantries, 65 percent of kitchens, and 54 percent of shelters reported that there had been an increase since 2006 in the number of clients who come to their emergency food program sites.

Hunger can affect anyone. Feeding America has identified groups at risk, including young children, hunger in the suburbs, rural hunger, senior hunger, and the working poor.

Special on Childhood Hunger
Kate is a fictional character who represents the very situation in which many children find themselves when their parents lose their jobs. Find out how you can help.  http://www.feedingamerica.org/ways-to-give/

Childhood hunger hinders a young person's ability to learn. They are more likely to suffer from poverty as an adult. Scientific evidence suggests that hungry children are less likely to become productive citizens. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and weakens their immune system. The immature immune systems of young children, ages 0 – 5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections is adversely affected.

Please find out how you can help during National Food Bank Day. 

International Day of Charity and Hunger Action Month

 Hunger knows no boundaries — it touches every community in the U.S., including your own.

The International Day of Charity is observed annually on 5 September. This day was chosen in order to commemorate the anniversary of the passing away of Mother Teresa, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 "for work undertaken in the struggle to overcome poverty and distress, which also constitute a threat to peace." It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.

The prime purpose of the International Day of Charity is to raise awareness and provide a common platform for charity-related activities all over the world for individuals, charitable, philanthropic, and volunteer organizations for their own purposes on the local, national, regional, and international level.

A charity can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, and supplement public services in health care, education, housing, and child protection.

The following is a summary of the information found on the Feeding America Website. 

September is Hunger Action Month™, when Feeding America and member food banks ask everyone in America to take action to fight hunger in their community, all month long. Hunger Action Month is your opportunity to join a movement that has a real and lasting impact on our effort to feed more Americans than ever before. Whether it’s by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or volunteering, you can find the way that’s right for you to make a difference during Hunger Action Month. Together, we can solve hunger.

Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs that provide food and services to people each year. Together, we are the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization. Our network serves virtually every community in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The process of getting food to hungry Americans requires a dynamic infrastructure and sophisticated management. Feeding America secures donations from national food and grocery manufacturers, retailers, shippers, packers and growers and from government agencies and other organizations. Feeding America then moves donated food and grocery product to member food banks.

The food banks, in turn, distribute food and grocery items through food pantries and meal programs that serve families, children, seniors, and others at risk of hunger. Last year alone, the Feeding America network distributed more than 3 billion meals to people in need.

Feeding America nationwide network of food banks also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses, and government all have a role in ending hunger. 

Hunger can affect anyone. Feeding America has identified groups at risk, including young children, hunger in the suburbs, rural hunger, senior hunger, and the working poor.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?

Special on Childhood Hunger
Kate is a fictional character who represents the very situation in which many children find themselves when their parents lose their jobs. Find out how you can help this Hunger Action Month http://hungeractionmonth.org/

Childhood hunger hinders a young person's ability to learn. They are more likely to suffer from poverty as an adult. Scientific evidence suggests that hungry children are less likely to become productive citizens. Insufficient nutrition puts children at risk for illness and weakens their immune system. The immature immune systems of young children, ages 0 – 5, make them especially vulnerable to nutritional deprivation and as a result, the ability to learn, grow, and fight infections are adversely affected.

Please find out how you can help during
 Hunger Action Month http://hungeractionmonth.org/

Macadamia Nuts: From Farm to Table

The macadamia nut is the seed of the macadamia tree. It is native to Australia and is also known as the Australian Nut. Macadamia nuts are commercially grown in Hawaii and, to a much smaller degree, in California and Florida. Roasted macadamia nuts are a popular snack. 

Macadamia Nuts: From Farm to Table

Health Benefits and Nutrition

Macadamia nuts are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), such as oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. Studies suggest that eating macadamia nuts as part of a healthy meal plan seems to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and to raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

Compared to other common edible seeds such as almonds and cashews, macadamias are high in fat and low in protein. Macadamia nuts have a sweet taste. One ounce of nuts provides about 200 calories.

They contain numerous nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health and wellness.

One ounce (28.3 g) of macadamia provides 2 g or 8% of the daily-recommended levels of dietary fiber. Additionally, they are a very good source of phytosterols such as β-sitosterol. Macadamia nuts contain no cholesterol.

Macadamia nuts are free from gluten; it is a popular ingredient in the preparation of gluten-free foods. This provides a healthy alternative in people with wheat gluten allergy and celiac disease.

Macadamia Nut Side Effects & Safety
Macadamia nuts are safe as food. They can cause an allergic reaction, but this is unusual.

Special Precautions & Warnings
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs.

Recipes

Ono Mango Macadamia Nut Bread

Cooking Healthy Across America by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Culinary Professionals

1. Food Network, Macadamia Nut Recipes

Resources

1. Wikipedia, Macadamia Nuts
2. Nutrition and You, Macadamia Nuts