Archive for the ‘Food and Nutrition’ Category
Follow the Pyramid
By Firm Hope
During these tough economic conditions, many of us are looking for the quick fix for our money problems. We often short cut our nutrition by buying cheaper, non-healthy food items. Now, more than ever, it is important to keep your body healthy to avoid costly medical bills or missed work.
MyPyramid.gov is an excellent resource when looking to improve your diet. The website is maintained by The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which was established in 1994 to improve the nutrition and well-being of Americans.
Here are a few of their healthy eating tips -
- Buy vegetables that are easy to prepare. Pick up pre-washed bags of salad greens and add baby carrots or grape tomatoes for a salad in minutes. Buy packages of veggies such as baby carrots or celery sticks for quick snacks.
- Use a microwave to quickly “zap” vegetables. White or sweet potatoes can be baked quickly this way.
- Keep a bowl of whole fruit on the table, counter, or in the refrigerator.
- Popcorn, a whole grain, can be a healthy snack with little or no added salt and butter
- Freeze leftover cooked brown rice, bulgur, or barley. Heat and serve it later as a quick side dish
- Consider convenience when shopping. Buy pre-cut packages of fruit (such as melon or pineapple chunks) for a healthy snack in seconds. Choose packaged fruits that do not have added sugars.
- Dried fruits also make a great snack. They are easy to carry and store well. Because they are dried, ¼ cup is equivalent to ½ cup of other fruits.
- Buy fruits that are dried, frozen, and canned (in water or juice) as well as fresh, so that you always have a supply on hand.
- Set a good example for children by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with meals or as snacks.
Topics: Build Self-Reliance, Food and Nutrition | No Comments »
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
By Firm Hope
SNAP helps put food on the table for some 18 million people per month . It provides low-income households with electronic benefits they can use like cash at most grocery stores. SNAP is the cornerstone of the Federal food assistance programs, and provides crucial support to needy households and to those making the transition from welfare to work.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers SNAP at the Federal level through its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). State agencies administer the program at State and local levels, including determination of eligibility and allotments, and distribution of benefits.
Households must meet eligibility requirements and provide information – and verification — about their household circumstances. U.S. citizens and some aliens who are admitted for permanent residency may qualify. The welfare reform act of 1996 ended eligibility for many legal immigrants, though Congress later restored benefits to many children and elderly immigrants, as well as some specific groups. The welfare reform act also placed time limits on benefits for unemployed, able-bodied, childless adults.
Local SNAP offices can provide information about eligibility, and USDA operates a toll-free number (800-221-5689) for people to receive information about SNAP. Most states also have a toll free information/hotline number.
To participate in SNAP:
- Households may have no more than $2,000 in countable resources, such as a bank account ($3,000 if at least one person in the household is age 60 or older, or is disabled). Certain resources are not counted, such as a home and lot. Special rules are used to determine the resource value of vehicles owned by household members.
- The gross monthly income of most households must be 130 percent or less of the Federal poverty guidelines ($1,907 per month for a family of three in most places, effective Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009). Gross income includes all cash payments to the household, with a few exceptions specified in the law or the program regulations.
- Net monthly income must be 100 percent or less of Federal poverty guidelines ($1,467 per month for a household of three in most places, effective Oct. 1, 2008 through Sept. 30, 2009). Net income is figured by adding all of a household’s gross income, and then taking a number of approved deductions for child care, some shelter costs and other expenses. Households with an elderly or disabled member are subject only to the net income test.
- Most able-bodied adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.
- All household members must provide a Social Security number or apply for one.
Federal poverty guidelines are established by the Office of Management and Budget, and are updated annually by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Get all the details and apply for help by going here.
Topics: Build Self-Reliance, Food and Nutrition | No Comments »
