Meals On Wheels of Tampa is keeping the goodness rolling in March which is National Nutrition Month. And how appropriate for me to share with you more about Produce On Wheels (POW), as well as tips on how to shop for produce on a budget.
Access and excitement over produce has increased over the years and with changing weather patterns. We always knew that eating our veggies and fruits were good for us, but as a society, we are really starting to move away from processed foods. Schools are starting to offer salad bars and there are more whole and all-natural food stores around the country than ever before.
Produce cost has always been a barrier to consumption and I often hear complaints that produce is simply too expensive. It’s unfortunate that the price of fresh fruits and vegetables keeps us from eating as healthy as possible. This is why I wanted to share with you some cost-saving suggestions from Lori Taylor, better known as The Produce Mom. Here are her top five tips:
- Buy in-season produce
- Buy in bulk and freeze
- Look for and buy discounted produce- don’t be afraid to try the ‘ugly’ or ‘blemished’ produce
- Prep the produce yourself instead of buying sliced
- Shop sales and plan your meals
Meals On Wheels of Tampa recently developed Produce On Wheels (POW), a program developed to increase their senior and homebound program recipients’ access to fresh produce, free of charge. The organization has partnered with Feeding Tampa Bay to purchase the produce for the POW program. In February, they purchased romaine lettuce, oranges, carrots, and tomatoes; and Feeding Tampa Bay then donated bell peppers. Feedback has been overwhelming from the recipients, as they are excited to have a healthy fruit snack option or make a salad with the veggies provided, in addition to their regular hot meal delivery. The program has also been of value to their recipients and volunteers as it allows a weekend opportunity for social connection and volunteerism.
Meals On Wheels of Tampa hopes to expand the program to delivering POW twice a month, pending additional funding. For now, volunteers deliver bags of fresh produce on the third Saturday of every month, and the next deliveries are scheduled for March 19, April 16, June 18, and July 16.
To sign up to volunteer to deliver POW, please visit www.mowtampa.org/programs/pow.
For more information on Lori Taylor, The Produce Mom, please visit www.theproducemom.com
About Meals On Wheels of Tampa:
Meals On Wheels of Tampa has been committed to nourishing and enriching the independent lives of the homebound and seniors of Tampa since 1975. Today, Meals On Wheels of Tampa serves over 700 people with a hot meal during the lunch hour. Meals On Wheels of Tampa is a 4-star charity and relies on its community for support by not accepting government funding.
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