January 11, 2010

Nancy Harris, Market Day chair person, asked me to write a letter about why I, the school nurse like to order from Market Day. I have several reasons I like to order from Market day. Just like store shopping, it is important to read food labels. Some foods are healthier than others. Actually the first reason I like Market Day is being able to compare nutritional value of various foods in the same category from an information sheet instead of picking up each individual item to look at it. I like to compare the chic N steak, chicken tenders and honey dijon chic N steaks.

The second reason I like Market Day shopping is because the foods are the recommended portion size. For example, chic N steaks are 4 oz. I can cook the exact number of servings I need. They also cook in only 10 minutes on the stove top because of the optimal portion size. The diced chicken tenderloins are packaged so I can cook only the amount I need. Diced chicken can be used in a variety of preparations like soup, buffalo chicken dip, chicken and rice, or just plain for the picky finger food eater.

The third reason I like Market Day shopping is for the nutritional content of vegetables. Frozen vegetables are generally more nutritional than fresh, if they do not have a sauce on them. Vegetables are most nutritious when eaten closest to harvest time. The frozen process maintains the nutrition from when they are picked and the convenience of cooking than when you want them. Generally the frozen vegetables are cooked in 5-10 minutes, just enough to wake them up and not wilt them. Frozen vegetable medleys are a very nice combination, if you prefer a blend. I especially like the asparagus spears because they are thin, tender, and packaged in bulk. I can cook my desired number of servings or wrap prosciutto around them to make a special appetizer. I also like the green beans because they are classic and packaged in bulk. I like to use them in soups in the winter. Cooking frozen vegetables and be easy and fun!

The fourth reason I liked Market Day this past Christmas was because of the nice size and sturdiness of the boxes. They are great for mailing small packages. They also made humorous conversation when my gift receivers read the box of contents.

The final reasons I buy Market Day is to support the school financially and convenient pickup time at the school. Shopping for flavorful healthy food can be a challenge. I like being able to review the nutritional guide as I place my order for frozen food monthly. Thank you PTA for this convenience and healthy life style options.

Tammy Swink