Greetings! This week we're announcing the release of our Healthy Ramadan Toolkit, and sharing a yummy Ramadan recipe from one of our star Good Food Force members, Sarene. Also check out events in North Carolina, and a resource for Father's Day recipes! Have a great week!
1. HOT LINE
Announcing Healthy Ramadan Toolkit!
Salaam alaikum! We are so excited to announce the launch of our Healthy Ramadan Toolkit, developed in partnership with the Muslim Wellness Foundation, during a Twitter Town Hall on July 8 at 2pm ET! Follow @MomsRising to participate. “From an Islamic perspective health is viewed as one of the greatest blessings that God has bestowed on mankind. Islam encourages Muslims to strive for balance and moderation in all aspects of behavior, including diet, health and exercise… Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to engage holistically in an assessment of our spiritual, physical and emotional health.” - Kameelah Rashad, Muslim Wellness Foundation
Quick links
- An Islamic Perspective on the Obesity Crisis, by Aamir Hussain, the Huffington Post. 6/15/15.
- Alabama Poll Shows Strong Support for Healthy School Food Policies, Kids' Safe and Healthful Foods Project. June 16, 2015. “Seventy-five percent of Alabama voters overall and 71 percent of public school parents back the National School Lunch Program’s enhanced nutritional guidelines…”
- Taco Bell's New Teen Lingo, Salud America. "Taco Bell is working on identifying of all Teen’s word usage, in order to communicate and market their brand even more...hey not only have a “Millennial word of the Week”, but they also have employed a teen advisory board to discuss the latest feedback on teen culture."
- Green Spaces Make Kids Smarter, by Olga Khazan, the Atlantic. June 16, 2015. "A new study finds that vegetation around schools cuts down on air pollution and boosts memory and attention."
2. JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Connect, learn and share this month
- Fri June 19, 1pm ET: #FoodFri Tweetchat about WIC! Join @MomsRising, @CenterOnBudget and@AmerAcadPeds to chat about the critical role WIC plays in improving the health of low-income and vulnerable families. Follow #FoodFri on Twitter to participate!
- Sat June 27, 9am-11am: Good Food Force Hangout at the Durham, NC Farmer's Market! Come on by Durham Central Park to say hello, grab some snacks and hula hoop! Contact beth@momsrising.org for more information.
- Tues June 30, evening: Good Food Force North Carolina Spanish-Language Meet Up! Save the date, and stay tuned for details!
- Date TBD, Wilmington North Caroline Popsicles in the Park! Stay tuned for details!
- Father's Day Recipe Share! Celebrate dad, or the special people in your life, by sharing favorite breakfast recipes in the Good Food Force Facebook Group!
3. SALAD BAR
Ramadan Chia Seed Pudding, from Good Food Force member Sarene Alsharif, MPH
Most Muslims eat two meals a day during Ramadan — one right before sunrise (called suhur), and one directly after sunset (called iftar). At suhur, it is most important to get enough fluids and filling foods for the day ahead. That's why I like to make Chia Seed Pudding.
Chia seeds are rich in fiber, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese and much more. Plus, chia seeds soak up the liquid they are placed in and grow up to nine times their original size, bulging with hydration. As the body digests the seeds, the water is slowly absorbed, keeping hydration levels up throughout the day.
Ingredients: ½ cup chia seeds; 2½ cups milk; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp ground cardamom; 1 Tbsp honey; Optional toppings: fresh fruit, nuts, shaved coconut
Directions: Combine chia seeds, milk, cinnamon, cardamom and honey in a jar. Mix the contents and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, top the pudding with fresh fruit, nuts and shaved coconut. Serves 5.Read more on the foodandnutrition.org blog! Follow Sarene on Twitter at @HealthyPlate5.
4. YEARBOOK: NORTH CAROLINE FUNFEST IN GOLDSBORO WITH FIRST AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH
In partnership with First African Baptist Church of Goldsboro, North Carolina's Good Food Force hosted a celebration of healthy food access. We made chef hats, competed in an Iron Chef kids contest, talked about food deserts and healthy food access, had a food joke comedy show, had an incredible female farmer lead the kids in gardening experiments and planting their own container gardens, and highlighted that when we organize and fight together we win. Check out some inspiring photos, below!
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