MASON CITY – The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health is again partnering with local Hy-Vee Dietitians to host an “Easy Steps to Eating Fresh” cooking demonstration at the North Iowa Farmers’ Market this Tuesday, July 29th. This is the second of four demonstrations this summer designed to provide farmers’ market consumers with recipes and tips on how to use the produce found at the market. It’s also a way to showcase the local and fresh produce.
Additionally, the Health Department has been working with the Department of Human Services to increase the participation of Food Assistance Program families using their food assistance dollars (EBT card) at the local markets this summer. The North Iowa Farmers’ Market is one of several north Iowa and southern Minnesota markets that accept EBT dollars. “Buying fresh and local is a great way to support the health of your family through nutritious foods,” said Kelli Huinker, Health Promotion Manager, Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health. “It also helps sustain local farms producing great fruits, vegetables, and the like.”
The Health Department encourages residents to stop by the North Iowa Farmers’ Market (located in the former K-Mart Parking Lot) this Tuesday from 3:00-6:00 pm to participate in the cooking demonstration, sample local produce, and support the local producers.
The final two cooking demonstrations will be held on Tuesday, August 26, and Friday, September 19. This program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Iowa Community Transformation Grant.
