My monthly programs at Salvation Army, Western Avenue Seniors group, and Boys and Girls Club continue. This month at Salvation Army, we made use of the "cranberry juice concentrate" by making a fun drink, "merry sunrise." The cranberry juice, orange juice and 7-Up were mixed in equal parts and topped with a cherry/orange garnish for fun. At Western Avenue, we talked about food product claims as well as food freshness. Boys and Girls club experienced the new MyPyramid Blast Off game as well as some fun physical activities to do at home or outside now that the weather is getting nicer.

Along with these monthly programs, I visited a few new sites recently. Bloomington Housing Authority will become a regular site for me. This month we are talking about food safety in the kitchen and in food preparation as well as healthy drink choices, comparing various beverages. A visit to Irving School's Chili Supper will engage parents and students in the new MyPyramid along with family activities they can take home to help them make healthy food choices. Family Community Resource Center will be having me speak about food budgeting where I will speak about making shopping lists, using ads and coupons, comparing brands and using what is on hand to prepare meals.

Hopefully people can get excited about eating healthy and exercising with the nice weather approaching!!

February brings us to matters of the heart . . heart health, that is!

During January and February our focus has been on educating clients on the new My Pyramid, on its food groups as well as serving sizes within the groups. Another area we have been looking at is how much fat, salt and sugar are in some of the most common foods we eat. What a surprise to many to find out how much fat, salt and sugar is hiding in our foods!! The youth programs had the opportunity to plan their own meals by playing the "Blast Off" game. You can, too!Just go to mypyramid.gov and click on the "Blast Off" game. This game is a great way to teach children about wise food choices and the value of daily physical activity!We will be continuing additional My Pyramid training into next month.