Ingredients
2 slices Whole Wheat Raisin Cinnamon Bread
1 Tbsp Jelly, favorite
2 Tbsp Low Sodium Crunchy Peanut Butter
Specializing in nutrition analysis, recipe, and menu development.
Thursday, April 2, 2026
National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
Ingredients
2 slices Whole Wheat Raisin Cinnamon Bread
1 Tbsp Jelly, favorite
2 Tbsp Low Sodium Crunchy Peanut Butter
International Children's Book Day for Foodies
International Children's Book Day is A day to inspire children to pick up a book and read.
July 30, 2024, by David Grotto (Author),
Brian Dumm (Illustrator)
For the Health Foodie
Good Enough to Eat: A Kid's Guide to Food and Nutrition
by Lizzy Rockwell
by Lizzy Rockwell
Healthy Foods around the World
by Beth Bence Reinke, RDN
by Beth Bence Reinke, RDN
by Anjali Shah
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Foods Symbolic of the Passover Seder
The Making of Matzah
Join Simon, Micah, and Sadie
as they take us through the Making of Matzah.
This Passover, we celebrate family, tradition,
and freedom. Connecting generations through
the timeless rituals of our heritage.
Chag Sameach
Join Simon, Micah, and Sadie
as they take us through the Making of Matzah.
This Passover, we celebrate family, tradition,
and freedom. Connecting generations through
the timeless rituals of our heritage.
Chag Sameach
Shalom Sesame
Khalikidan's Passover Seder
Khalikidan and her family came to Israel from Ethiopia.
Join her family for a Passover Seder, and
share Khalikidan's excitement in reciting the four questions.
The Symbols of the Passover Seder
Passover is a holiday rich in symbols retelling the story of the Jewish people's exodus from Egypt. The seder is a ceremonial dinner observed on the first night of Passover, and in many homes on the second night as well. The seder table is set with a seder plate, salt water, matzo, kosher wine, Cup of Elijah, Miriam's Cup, and a copy of the Haggadah for each guest.
Matzo
The afikoman is eaten as a dessert. The person leading the seder will hide the afikoman and ask all the children to find it. Children will receive toys or other gifts as a reward for returning the afikoman.
The top and other half of the middle matzo is used for the hamotzi (blessing over bread), and the bottom matzo is used for the korech (Hillel sandwich).
Haggadah. The book containing the story of the Exodus and the ritual of the Seder. It is read at the Passover Seder.
Many of the symbols are displayed on the seder plate, which is the centerpiece of the seder table.
Karpas (Vegetable). This part of the seder plate dates back to a first and second century tradition in Jerusalem. At the beginning of the seder a vegetable, usually lettuce, radish or parsley is dipped in salt water and eaten. It is said the salt water represents the tears our ancestors shed during their years of enslavement.
Z'roa (Shank bone). The roasted shank bone of a lamb reminds us of when the Jewish people marked the doorposts of their homes with the blood of a lamb as a signal that death should pass over them. The shank bone also reminds us of the sacrificial lamb killed and eaten during the days when the Temple stood. In modern times, some Jewish families will use a poultry neck instead. Vegetarians will often replace the shank bone with a roasted beet, which has the color of blood and is shaped like a bone but is not derived from an animal.
Baytzah (Hard Boiled Egg). There are two interpretations of the symbolism of the hard-boiled egg. One is an ancient fertility symbol. The other is a symbol of mourning for the loss of the two Temples, the first of which was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.E. and the second of which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 C.E. Hard-boiled eggs were traditionally the food of mourners and became symbolic for the loss of these sacred sites.
Charoset. A mixture of chopped apples, nuts, wine and spices representing the mortar the Jewish slaves used to build structures for the Egyptian Pharaoh.
Maror (Bitter Herbs) reminds us of the slavery the Jewish people endured in Egypt. Horseradish, either the root or a prepared paste, is often used.
Hazeret (Bitter Vegetable) also symbolizes the bitterness of slavery. Romaine lettuce is usually used. When hazeret is not represented on the seder plate some families will put a small bowl of salt water in its place.
Elijah's cup is placed at the center of the table. After the seder meal, it is customary to pour a cup of wine, the "Cup of Elijah," and open the front door of the home. According to tradition, at this moment, our homes are graced by the presence of Elijah the Prophet.
Miriam's Cup is a new ritual object placed on the seder table beside the Cup of Elijah. Miriam's Cup is filled with water close to the beginning of the seder. It symbolizes Miriam's Well, the water source for the Jewish people in the desert. Putting a Miriam's Cup on your table is a way of making your seder more inclusive. It lets people know that the words of girls and boys, women and men, are welcome. It is also a way of drawing attention to the importance of Miriam and the other women of the Exodus story - women who have sometimes been overlooked. It is said, "If it wasn't for the righteousness of women of that generation, we would not have been redeemed from Egypt."
To our Family and Friends, we wish you a Happy Passover.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The Power of Nutrition Continues.
The Power of Nutrition: How Food—and Eating Together— Nourishes Body and Community
March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme, “The Power of Nutrition,” reminds us that food is more than fuel. Nutrition shapes our health, our energy, our growth, and even our relationships. What we eat matters—but how and with whom we eat matters too.
At its core, the power of nutrition lies in balance, variety, and connection.
Why Nutrition Has Power
Nutrition supports every system in the body: immunity, growth, brain function, digestion, heart health, and aging. The true power of nutrition comes from balance and variety, not restriction or perfection. Each food group delivers specific nutrients that work best when eaten together.
The Power Within Each Food Group
Fruits & Vegetables: Protection and Prevention
Key nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin A (beta-carotene), potassium, folate, fiber, antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and protective compounds that support immune health, digestion, heart health, vision, and disease prevention. Fiber supports gut health and fullness, while antioxidants help protect cells from damage.
Power tip: A colorful plate delivers a wider range of protective nutrients.
Grains (Especially Whole Grains): Energy and Endurance
Key nutrients:
Carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium
Grains are the body’s primary energy source. Whole grains help regulate blood sugar, support digestive health, and provide long-lasting fuel for the brain and muscles.
Power tip: Choose whole grains often for sustained energy and fullness.
Protein Foods: Strength and Repair
Key nutrients:
Protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids
Protein foods help build and repair muscles, bones, skin, and tissues. Including a variety of protein sources—such as beans, lentils, seafood, eggs, poultry, nuts, and seeds—supports heart health and nutrient diversity.
Power tip: Mixing plant and animal proteins strengthens nutrition and flexibility.
Dairy and Fortified Alternatives: Strong Bones and Muscles
Key nutrients:
Calcium, vitamin D, protein, potassium, and vitamin B12
These foods support bone density, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Adequate intake is essential during childhood, adolescence, menopause, and older adulthood.
Power tip: Strong bones support mobility and independence across the lifespan.
Fats and Oils: Heart Health
Key nutrients:
Healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E
Healthy fats help absorb fat-soluble vitamins, support brain function, reduce inflammation, and protect heart health.
Power tip: Healthy fats improve satisfaction and nutrient absorption at meals.
The Power of Eating Together
Nutrition isn’t only about nutrients—it’s about connection. Shared meals encourage balanced eating, expose children to a variety of foods, and strengthen family and community bonds.
Research shows that eating together is linked to:
Better diet quality
Healthier eating habits in children
Improved mental well-being
Reduced stress and stronger social connections
Whether it’s a family dinner, lunch with friends, or an intergenerational meal, eating together enhances the power of nutrition.
Putting the Power of Nutrition Into Practice
You don’t need to eat perfectly to eat powerfully.
Include foods from multiple food groups at meals
Add one more fruit or vegetable each day
Choose whole grains more often
Enjoy a variety of protein sources
Make time for shared meals—simple counts
The Bottom Line
The power of nutrition comes from nutrients working together, balanced meals, and shared experiences around food. This National Nutrition Month, celebrate food as fuel, food as culture, and food as connection—because nutrition is most powerful when it nourishes both body and community.
April Wellness News
Produce
Monthly
National Autism Awareness Month
National Volunteer Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
Cancer Control Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Month of the Military Child
Defeat Diabetes Month
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) Awareness Month
Medical Cannabis Education & Awareness Month
African American Women's Fitness Month
National Donate Life Month
National Occupational Therapy Month
National Parkinson's Awareness Month
Stress Awareness Month
National Arab-American Heritage Month
Global Child Nutrition Month
Emotional Overeating Awareness Month
Fresh Florida Tomatoes Month
National BLT Sandwich Month
National Licorice Month
National Grilled
Cheese Sandwich Month
National Garden Month
National Pecan Month
National Soft Pretzel Month
National Soyfoods Month
National Youth Sports Safety Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
National Social Security Month
Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month
Jazz Appreciation Month
Keep America Beautiful (3/20
- 6/20)
Weekly
1-7 Medication
Safety Week
2-9 Passover
5-11 National
Public Health Week
6-13 Egg
Salad Week
14-15
World Water Week
17-19 Global
Youth Service Day
18-26 National
Park Week
20-24 Every
Kid Healthy™ Week
23-29 World
Immunization Week
26-5/3 National
Volunteer Week
1 April Fools or All Fools Day; National Sourdough Bread Day; Tater Day (sweet potato), Passover (sundown), International Energy Drink
2 World Autism Day; International
Children's Book Day; National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day; National Love
Your Produce Manager Day; National Walking Day; Burrito Day
3 National Chocolate Mousse Day; Find A
Rainbow Day, Good Friday
4 Vit C discovered; National Chicken
Cordon Bleu Day; International Carrot Day; International Kid’s Yoga Day
5 National Deep Dish Pizza Day;
National Caramel Day; National Raisin and Spice Bar Day, Dandelion Day,
Easter
6 Fresh Tomato Day, Hostess Twinkie Day; International Day of Sport for Development and
Peace; National Student-Athlete Day; Teflon Day; National Caramel Popcorn
Day, Charlie the Tuna Day, White House Egg Roll
7 World Health
Day; Coffee Cake Day; Metric System Day; National Beer Day; No Housework
Day; WHO
8
National Empanada Day
9 Chinese Almond Cookie Day; National Cherish an
Antique Day
10
Cinnamon Crescent Day; National Farm Animals Day, International Kids Yoga
day
11 World Parkinson's Disease Day; National
Cheese Fondue Day; National Pet Day; Clean Up Your Pantry Day
12 Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day; National
Licorice Day
13 National Peach Cobbler Day; National
Make Lunch Count Day; National Scrabble Day
14 International Moment of Laughter Day; Natl
Pecan Day; National Gardening Day
15 McDonald's Opens; Tax Day; National
Glazed Spiral Ham Day; World Art Day, Banana Day
16 Day of the Mushroom; Natl Eggs
Benedict Day; Stress Awareness
17 National Cheeseball Day; World Hemophilia Day;
National Ellis Island Family History Day; National Crawfish; National Herbalist Day;
National Clean out your Medicine Cabinent
18 National Animal Crackers Day;
Adult Autism Day; Pinata Day
19 National Amaretto Day; National
Garlic Day
20 National Cheddar Fries Day;
National Lima Bean Respect Day; National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day, 4/20
21
Chocolate-Covered Cashews; National Kindergarten Day; International Hemp
Day, Boston Marathon
22 Earth Day; National Jelly Bean Day
23 National Picnic Day; English Muffin Day;
National Cherry Cheesecake Day
24 Arbor Day, National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day
25 National Zucchini Bread Day; Natl
DNA Day; Zucchini Bread Day, World Tai Chi
26 National Pretzel Day; National Kids and
Pets Day; National Herb Day; National Sense of Smell Day
27 National Prime Rib Day; National Devil Dog
Day; Teach Children to Save
28 World Day for Safety and Health at Work;
National Blueberry Pie Day; National Superhero Day; Maryland, 7th State
29 National Shrimp Scampi Day, Stop Food
Waste
30 Louisiana 18th State; Potato Head Day;
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; Bugs Bunny Day; Oatmeal Cookie Day;
National Raisin Day
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Months |
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