The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s “Cooking Matters at the Store” campaign is typically geared toward families with children to empower them to stretch their food budget and provide healthy meals at home.
The message behind the campaign was easily applied — and eagerly accepted — by the nearly 30 women, mostly seniors, who were in attendance at Wellness Wednesdays’ monthly support group and luncheon at the SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic.
When the price of fresh produce — especially those now out of season in Michigan — starts soaring, the majority of the attendees knew to head to the frozen food aisle, where many vegetables and fruit are frozen at their peak of freshness, with no preservatives or additives.
But what if you can’t find or afford fresh or frozen, only canned, which often contains added sodium?
An alternative is to give them a rinse, said Danielle Garnick, program coordinator at the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.
“When you’re able, look for those canned vegetables that say ‘no salt added” or are salt (sodium) free,’’ she said.
Garnick also shared information on choosing healthy meals as you get older, emphasizing that food provides nutrients you need as you age.
Garnick received a loud ovation when she finished her presentation and accepted a bouquet of flowers from Wellness Wednesdays facilitator Alexis Harvey on behalf of the group.
“It’s so fun when they engage and these women loved sharing their stories because we got to individualize the information,” Garnick said.
Wellness Wednesdays’ final session of the year is Nov. 19. Registration is required. Please call 313-758-6100 to reserve your spot.
