Creative Options

“Healthy Choices for Everybody” was presented to a special needs group (Creative Options) once a month at the County Extension Office by the Nutrition Education Program assistant. Six people attended the class each month where they had the opportunity to learn how to cut, dice and chop a variety of different vegetables and fruits. Those vegetables and fruits were used in recipes such as Sloppy Garden Joe, Tex Mex Fajitas and Melon Salsa, which were their favorite recipes. After learning about and tasting different fruits and vegetables, participants wanted to grow some of their own. The group started with raised- bed gardens and have grown tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, cabbage, cantaloupes and watermelon. The NEP assistant shared, recipes and demonstrated different ways to use the vegetables in recipes. They have decided they may need a bigger garden area because they are interested in taking some canning classes next year through the County Extension Office.