Have you ever wondered how food shopping practices and consumption affects our environment and the planet? Would you like to learn how to select food options that support the community and are better for your health?
“Sustainable eating is about choosing foods that are healthful to our environment and our bodies. According the 2019 EAT-Lancet commission on healthy diets from sustainable food systems, a global shift toward more plant-based foods would help feed the world’s growing population a nutritious and sustainable diet. This plant-based eating style includes more legumes (beans, peas, lentils, peanuts), whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts, and less animal-based foods, especially red meat, and processed meat. Limiting refined grains and added sugars is encouraged as well.”
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Sarah Klemm, RDN, CD, LDN
Some Tips for Sustainable Eating
Modifying behavior to incorporate sustainable eating habits lessens the negative impact we have on the planet, utilizes local resources, and supports sustainable farming. Here are some tips to get you started:
Grow something: Creating an herb garden is simple and inexpensive. Incorporating the herbs you grow in your daily cooking routine rewards you with a greater appreciation for what it takes to grow your own food.
Shop locally: Buying from local producers and markets is a fun way to support the community. It saves money, energy, and fuel by not requiring food to be packaged and trucked in from other places, and it supports the local economy by keeping dollars in the community. This GIS map (http://ow.ly/Aak850F5uBh) has all the information you need! Whether you’ve just moved to Manatee County or are a life-long resident, this tool can help you locate local agricultural commodities and agricultural businesses. The map is user-friendly and allows you to search by food category (fruits, vegetables, etc.), a location nearest your home, and business type (produce stand, U-pick, etc.)
Eat seasonally: Focus on foods that are available in season where you live, and you will be supporting sustainability.
Rethink your grocery list: Save money by opting to purchase food in bulk. You can lower your risk of health problems and boost your energy by choosing minimally processed foods and adding more plant-based foods.
This free webinar is part of the Sustainability Series Lunch and Learn presentations, offered by the Sarasota County and Manatee County Extension offices. The webinar will be hosted by Sarasota County agent, Dr. Maria Rometo, and Manatee County agent, Nelly Nelson.
Webinar attendees will gain an understanding of how food shopping practices impact the planet, learn some money savings tips, and discover ways to improve eating habits.
We are the Institute of Food of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida. A significant portion of our efforts IFAS-wide is dedicated to food: growing food, improving nutrition and taste, getting food to market, improving the environment supporting agricultural efforts, and so much. more. Chris Vivian
#FoodIsOurMiddleName
Where: “Sustainable Food & You!” webinar will take place via Zoom at 12:00 p.m. ET.
When: March 23th, April 26th, June 23th, 2022 and will be hosted by Sarasota County agent, Dr. Maria Rometo, and Manatee County agent, Nelly Nelson.
Registration link for the Webinar: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sustainable-food-and-you-lunch-and-learn-webinar-tickets-192342169607?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
1
