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Resources to Feed You and Your Family

5/22/2020

Are you or someone you know struggling with having enough food to eat? In Eastern Massachusetts, 1 out of 11 of our community members is at risk for hunger. Hunger affects people from many different backgrounds, especially during a pandemic.

Need extra support? Here are some resources that can help:

The Greater Boston Food Bank

Search here for services offering food in your community.
They also support mobile markets providing fresh foods to community members in need - here are some locations.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

This service is available to both employed and unemployed people based on income limits. Once enrolled, an electronic card can be used like a bank card at most supermarkets, convenience stores, and farmers' markets.
Here's how to apply in Massachusetts.

COVID-19 Food Resources in Boston

Check out a map and list of resources here (including school meal programs, food pantries, and soup kitchens).

Need more help?

Call Project Bread's FoodSource hotline at 1-800-645-8333. They can help determine if you are eligible for SNAP and assist in finding other resources in your area. They have material available in 160 languages too.

REFERENCE
Ending Hunger. The Greater Boston Food Bank. Accessed May 2020.

By Alysia Vega, MGH Dietetic Intern

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Spring Has Sprung: Grow Fresh Herbs Indoors

5/15/2020

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Commonly used herbs, like sage, rosemary, and thyme, contain protective plant chemicals that may help fight chronic diseases, like heart disease and cancer. These compounds have been shown to attack inflammation and may inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Aim to optimize the potential benefits of herbs by eating them regularly. One way to do this is to grow them at home.

Tips for starting an indoor garden:

Select a supportive pot: look for one that is 6 to 10 inches in diameter with holes in the bottom, which will allow water to drain out.
Use indoor potting soil (not garden soil).
Place them in a sunny spot (ideally one that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily).
Keep the temperature stable: 65 to 70 degrees is optimal.
Use those herbs frequently - regular harvesting helps promote growth.

Looking for starter plants? Check out your local home improvement or garden store online.

REFERENCES
Chohan, M, Naughton DP, Jones L, Opara El. An Investigation of the Relationship Between the Anti-inflammatory Activity, Polyphenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activities of Aooked and In Vitro Digested Culinary Herbs. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 2012;2012:627843.
Jiang, T. Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices. Journal of AOAC International. 2019; 102(2): 395-411.
MacCaskey M and B Marken. Gardening for Dummies. New York, NY: Wiley Publishing.2006.
Opara M and M Chohan.Culinary Herbs and Spices: their Bioactive Properties, the Contribution of Polyphenols and the Challenges in Deducing their True Health Benefits. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2014; 15(10): 19183-19202.
Tapsell, L et al. Health Benefits of Herbs and Spices: the Past, the Present, the Future. Medical Journal of Australia. 2006; 185(4): S1-S24.

By Kristin Otto, Dietetic Intern

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Resources to Feed You and Your Family

Spring Has Sprung: Grow Fresh Herbs Indoors

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