Welcome to the High Country Community Health online blog! There are a number of services offered at HCCH and we are excited to be able to showcase them with you here.
Did you know that we have two Registered Dietitians in our clinics? They provide nutrition services related to all disease states to fit your individual needs. You can schedule an appointment or ask to speak with them at your next provider visit. In honor of these services, we’d like to highlight National Nutrition Month!
This year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is Fuel for the Future– with a focus on choosing sustainable foods. Sustainability within our food environment looks at overall access to high-quality, nutritious foods that have a low environmental impact on present and future generations. This is an important topic to be aware of, as agriculture is the largest contributor to global environmental change1.
What does sustainability mean to us and our community?
The High Country has been devoted to sustainable food practices in our community for many years and encourages the use of locally grown foods wherever possible. From the High Country Food Hub to Double Up Food Bucks, you can read more about purchasing local foods here2.
What can sustainability mean to you and your family?
Controlling your food waste is one way to help with sustainable food practices. Food “waste” refers to food that is able to be eaten but ultimately ends up being thrown away. The most food waste comes from American homes (43%), restaurants, grocery stores, food service companies (40%), farms (16%), and manufacturers (2%)3. According to Feeding America, dairy is the most tossed-out food item in family homes4.
Here are some helpful tips for reducing your food waste at home:
Plan your meals for the week before going to the store to avoid overbuying. This can lower your total food cost and reduce the amount of leftovers and produce you toss each week.
Utilize your leftovers. Get creative by adding leftover meat to soups, salads or quesadillas. This works for your veggies too. Freeze fruit for smoothies or oatmeal.
Make the foods you like readily available. Wash and pre-cut fruits and veggies for grab-and-go options or to save on your cooking time.
Consider the expiration/use-by date. Freeze uncooked meats if you don’t plan to cook them within 2-3 days of purchasing. Check expiration dates on dairy products before purchasing.
For more tips on utilizing your leftovers to lower food waste, check out this website from All Recipes: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/14503/everyday-cooking/everyday-leftovers/
Check out www.eatright.org for some great additional info on National Nutrition Month.
Lastly, for more information about our Registered Dietitians, visit our website: https://www.highcountrycommunityhealth.com/healthandnutrition.
Sustainability. The Nutrition Source: Harvard.edu. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/sustainability/. Accessed February 28, 2023.
Where to Purchase Local Food. NC Cooperative Extension: Watauga.ces.ncsu.edu.https://watauga.ces.ncsu.edu/where-to-purchase-local-food/ Published 2021. Accessed March 1, 2023.
Food Waste in America in 2023. RTS.com https://www.rts.com/resources/guides/food-waste-america/ Accessed March 1, 2023.
Food Waste and Food Rescue. Feeding America.org. https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work/reduce-food-waste Accessed March 1, 2023.