One of summer's great joys are the tastes and smells of in season fresh produce from local farmers' markets, grocery stores and our own gardens. I'm always surprised, though, that people don't seem to realize that produce can cause the same foodborne illness if not handled correctly as meat and dairy. Like grocery stores, we purchase produce by the ton for our operations and it's reassuring to see how inspectors check the fields in the video below. Follow fresh produce safety tips and enjoy all the season has to offer. Make this summer one of discovery and find what makes you happy. Try new things, make mistakes, see new places and experience the world in a new way. A pretty smart guy named Albert Einstein is credited as saying "A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new." Thank you for another year of important and meaningful work, enjoy the well deserved time off you earned. 🌴🏄🏻♀️🌞🍉
With gratitude,
Kathy
Nourish by WebMD
The lime is a small, green citrus fruit that grows on trees in warm climates. Limes can be sweet or sour, depending on the variety. Most of the limes you’ll find in American grocery stores are a variety known as Persian limes, most of which are imported from Mexico. While sweet limes aren't commonly available in the United States, Americans may be familiar with the Persian lime’s smaller, tart cousin, the Key lime. Whether sweet or sour, limes have many health benefits
Reduce Inflammation
Limes contain antioxidants, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and even help prevent certain chronic illnesses.
Protect Against Infection
The high levels of Vitamin C found in limes can help protect you from infection and speed up your body’s healing process.
Prevent Kidney Stones
Citrus fruits have been shown to help keep kidney stones at bay. The citric acid in lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits makes it more difficult for kidney stones to form.
Guard Against Stroke
Studies have shown that the flavonoids found in citrus fruit, including limes, may help protect against stroke, especially in women. Still, more research needs to be done into this subject
Healthy Bones and Teeth
Bone and tooth development can also benefit from the Vitamin C found in limes.
Improve Your Immune Health
Vitamin C is vital to your immune health. Regularly eating limes, which are high in Vitamin C, can even help you stave off the common cold.
Water. It's easily accessible to us, so we really don't think about it much. Amazingly, 97% of the world's water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. About 2% is locked in ice caps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% of the world's water supply for all of humanity's needs.
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The VCS budget is $93 million. The first VHS graduation ceremony was held in 1874.
While most people know animal products (meat and dairy) must be handled carefully to prevent illness, they often forget that produce can also be the culprit in outbreaks of foodborne illness. In recent years, the United States has had several large outbreaks of illness caused by contaminated fruits and vegetables, including spinach, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and lettuce. Experts on foodborne illness with the Food and Drug Administration, say fresh produce can become contaminated in many ways. During the growing phase, produce may be contaminated by animals, harmful substances in the soil or water, and poor hygiene among workers. After produce is harvested, it passes through many hands, increasing the contamination risk. Contamination can even occur after the produce has been purchased, during food preparation, or through inadequate storage. The FDA recommends choosing produce that isn’t bruised or damaged, and make sure that pre-cut items—such as bags of lettuce or watermelon slices—are either refrigerated or on ice both in the store and at home. In addition, follow these recommendations:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce.
- If damage or bruising occurs during handling, cut away the damaged or bruised areas before prepping.
- Rinse produce BEFORE you peel it, so dirt and bacteria aren’t transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.
- Gently rub produce while holding under plain running water. There’s no need to use soap or a produce wash.
- Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers.
- Dry produce with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce bacteria that may be present.
- Remove the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.
Store perishable produce in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees.
Each year, our district participates in the Department of Defense (DoD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable program. We distribute a calculated portion of our entitlement dollars to purchase fresh produce. We receive .36 in entitlement for every reimbursable lunch we serve and it adds up! The more reimbursable meals we serve, the more entitlement we earn. We had a beautiful assortment this year including nectarines, peaches, clementines, watermelon, strawberries and the list goes on! Students are always so excited to try new produce items and to see the colorful displays of freshness. The two middle schools and high school used the DoD program to purchase more than 40.8 tons of fresh produce for our secondary students!
Total federal entitlement dollars spent in the United States: $11,867,660.90
Total federal entitlement dollars spent in Valparaiso Community Schools: $168,997.82
Non-employees can apply by completing an online application as an External Applicant here: https://www.applitrack.com/valpo/onlineapp/
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All VCS employees, whether they have Anthem insurance or not, are eligible to use Immediate Care of St. Mary's Medical Center for non-life threatening emergencies. The visit is free for employees with Anthem insurance and $93 for employees without Anthem. Considering that the average ER visit in Indiana costs $1,618.00, this may be a good option for you and your family. Read more below and contact Haley Jones, Benefit Assistant at ext. 1136 if you have questions or need more information.
From Haley Jones, Benefits Assistant
Not feeling well and don't want to leave the comfort of your home?
LiveHealth Online is a great option. This service offers a $0 copay to all Anthem subscribers and covered dependents. Doctors are available 24/7 on your computer or mobile device. This is for non-emergency medical issues only.
Click HERE to create an account online or go directly through your Sydney App to access LiveHealth Online. (Please be sure to have your Member ID available.)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
219-531-3000 ext. 1136
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https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1221036&type=d&pREC_ID=1455849
About Us
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Email: kkane@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/nutrition
Location: 2727 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385
Phone: (219) 531-3050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValpoSchoolFood
Twitter: @ValpoSchoolFood