It is undeniable that starting in March of 2020 the global Pandemic has caused disruptions in the supply chain. The early days of the Pandemic saw stockpiling of toilet paper and buying up flour for sourdough bread.

With so many food items in the supermarket it can get confusing. What should you pay attention to? Where should you look?

Often people talk about nuts in a general way, as if they all taste the same, and we know that’s not true! What about nutrition? Which nuts are standouts in different categories? 

What foods are the best sources of iron? Animal, fish/seafood and poultry products are the best and offer the most bioavailable (easily absorbed) source of iron which is known as “heme” iron. Enriched grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and plants also contain iron, but it is “nonheme” iron which is not as easily absorbed without a source of vitamin C. 

The USDA has introduced a new app to make money saving shopping easier. This new free tool can be downloaded to your phone or tablet or viewed on your computer and shows budget shopping tips in your area (based on your zip code) as well as budget-friendly recipes for top foods.

If you think about a bag of fresh cranberries like a tart fruit it may be easier to think about how you can use them. 

Q: My doctor has said to cut down on sodium. Why can’t I find foods that have no sodium?

Have you ever bought a big bag of apples for yourself or your family with the intention of using them as a snack, only to watch as they sit, uneaten, on your counter or fridge? Tip: To keep apples fresh longer be sure and store them in your fridge in a plastic bag with holes punched in it

If you’re considering donating food items to your local food pantry, food bank or a shelter that provides emergency food supplies; start with a call to that organization or a check of their website or Facebook page for what food or other items they most need and can accept.

While most people in the U.S. consume enough protein during the day, we often load it into our lunch and dinner meals instead of spreading it out throughout the whole day.