September Cook It Quick newsletter

The September issue of the Cook It Quick newsletter is hot off the press from the University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension. In this issue, you will find:

• Cucumber salad with tomatoes
• Lemon velvet supreme
• Confetti bean salsa
• Old-fashioned bread pudding
• Black bean and rice salad
• Manly muffin meatloaf
• Fruit smoothie

If any of those sound good to you, check out the September Cook It Quick newsletter. Hopefully you will have an idea for a new snack, side dish, or meal from the recipes on there.

Questions about the Affordable Care Act?

The Healthcare.gov website has a wealth of reliable information about health care coverage. The Health Insurance marketplaces begin open enrollment on October 1, 2013, so it is essential that we educate ourselves before then.

Some common questions that are answered on the site include:

• What is a Health Insurance marketplace?
• What if I have job-based insurance?
• What do small businesses need to know?
• How does the health care law protect me?
• What if I'm self-employed?
• What if someone doesn't have coverage?

All of these questions, plus many more, are answered on the Healthcare.gov website. The website is broken down into information for individuals and families as well as information for small businesses.

The best thing anyone can do right now is become informed and learn as much as they can about the Affordable Care Act. The video (from the Healthcare.gov website) below is less than two minutes and gives more information about the Health Insurance Marketplaces.

Resource:
Healthcare.gov website

Farmer's Market Week

This week (August 5-11) is Farmer's Market Week.

USDA has a great webpage on why you should shop at a Farmer's Market. Watch their video to learn about the benefits of buying fresh, nutritious, delicious and locally grown foods. 

Here are a few of their reasons why you should shop at a Farmer's Market.

1. Farmer's Markets are easy to find. Use the USDA Farmer's Market search to find one near you. 

2. You can try a new fruit or vegetable. Lesser known fruits/veggies are sometimes offered at Farmer's Markets, so use that as an opportunity to try a new one!

3. Buy foods and see how they fit with Choose MyPlate. Create a healthy plate with tasty foods!

4. Farmer's Markets can be important anchors for communities. Meet local farmers, learn about local produce, and support local businesses.

5. Fresh fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants and phytonutrients. These substances boost health in many ways.

6. Freshly picked ripe fruit is at peak quality. Flavor and nutrition are highest at this time. 

7. You are supporting local farmers and businesses. Buying local is always a good idea.

 What about food safety at the Farmer's Market? You can find more about Farmer's Market food safety from this resource. 

Sources:
USDA Farmer's Market
Foodsafety.gov