Flint, Mich. – In response to the Flint water crisis, Hurley Wellness Services and Michigan State University Extension have teamed up with Flint Food Works to offer nutrition information and cooking demonstrations at the Flint Farmers’ Market, focusing on foods that can help limit the effects of lead poisoning, especially in children.
“Eating a healthy diet is more important than ever for Flint families, because certain foods can limit the effects of lead exposure and prevent the absorption of lead from future exposure,” said Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, director of the Pediatric Public Health Initiative, Hurley Children’s Hospital at Hurley Medical Center. “The Flint Farmers’ Market, as a gathering place for our community, is the perfect location to host cooking demonstrations and other nutrition and health outreach efforts.”
The cooking demonstrations use recipes that contain ingredients high in vitamin C, calcium and iron, important nutrients that reduce effects of exposure to lead. Recipes were also selected for ease of preparation, overall nutrition, tastiness and kid appeal. Everyone who attends the cooking demonstrations will receive a nutrition guide and other recipes that can help reduce the effects of lead.
“It’s great to be able to share nutritious, tasty recipes and cooking tips with people, knowing the foods I’m showing them how to prepare could have a huge impact on their overall health,” said Chef Sean Gartland, culinary director for Flint Food Works and leader of the cooking demonstrations at the market. “Working in partnership with the MSU/Hurley Pediatric Public Health Initiative gives me the recipes and tools I need to teach others about good nutrition and the positive role we each can play in improving our health.”
Upcoming cooking demonstrations will be held in the Cooking Demonstration Kitchen at the Flint Farmers’ Market at 12:30 p.m. on the following days:
Tuesday, March 1
Featured Recipe: Veggie Lasagna
Thursday, March 3
Featured Recipe: Hearty Egg Burrito
Tuesday, March 8
Featured Recipe: Chocolate Strawberry French Toast
Additional dates in March, April and May have also been scheduled, with featured recipes to be determined: March 15, 19, 24, and 29; April 7, 16, 21, and 26; and May 5, 10, 21, 19 and 24.
A video of has been created to showcase the focus on community nutrition at the Flint Farmers’ Market.
For healthy recipes, visit www.cookingmatters.org. For more information about health, nutrition and wellness services available in Flint, contact Hurley Medical Center at 844.WELL4ME (844-935-5463) or www.hurleymc.com. For Pediatric Public Health Initiative information, visit www.humanmedicine.msu.edu/pphi/.
The Flint Farmers’ Market, located at 300 E. First St. in downtown Flint, is open year-round Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For information about activities and vendors located at the Flint Farmers’ Market, visit flintfarmersmarket.com.
Flint water information is available at www.michigan.gov/flintwater or by calling United Way 211.
