Health

Eat ‘Real’ and Eat Local

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“Eat real.”

That’s the simple goal of the third annual national Food Day on Thursday, Oct. 24 – celebrated locally by the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and its community partners as part of the County’s Live Well San Diego initiative.

“Food Day is an opportunity to think about the food we eat and where it comes from,” said Nick Macchione, HHSA director. “The typical American diet is contributing to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other health problems and we must change that.

“Food Day is all about ‘eating real,’ and showing people how to cut back on things like sugary drinks and  packaged products high in sodium and instead eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains especially locally-produced food.”

Events will be held across the county to highlight food grown locally by San Diego County farmers. The county has more than 6,000 farms – more than any other county in the U.S.

Students will be able to take the “Food Day Passport Challenge” and turn in completed passports in exchange for fruits and vegetables from local vendors. People will be able to meet local farmers, taste seasonal fruits and vegetables and participate in various games.

HHSA works with local community-based organizations year-round on projects that bring locally grown food into our homes, schools and businesses:

  • The County’s Healthy Works initiative partners with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and County Farm Bureau to feature healthy, locally-grown foods on school lunch menus.
  • Nutrition educators work with CalFresh (food stamp) recipients showing them how to stretch their budget while cooking and eating healthy.
  • HHSA’s CX3 (Communities of Excellence in Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention) projects engage county youth in projects that make our communities safer places to walk and encourage physical activity.

Here is a run-down of Food Day activities in San Diego County:

Tuesday, Oct. 22

Community Food Distribution and Wellness Fair – The event targets families in need and features cooking demos, physical activities and assistance in applying for CalFresh. 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Dicipulos de Cristos/First Christian Church, 305 W. California St., Vista.

Thursday, Oct. 24

Linda Vista – Activities at Montgomery Middle School, Bayside Community Center and Linda Vista Farmers Market. Representatives of Healthy Works, Farm Bureau and SDUSD will speak at 3:30 p.m. at the Linda Vista Farmers Market, 6939 Linda Vista Road, San Diego.

El Cajon Downtown Farmers Market – Healthy-eating activities, taste tests, recipe cards, information on community resources and the El Cajon Food Day Passport Challenge. 3-7 p.m., El Cajon Downtown Farmers Market, 201 E. Main St., El Cajon.

Mt. Hope Community Garden – The garden is a popular gathering place for residents in the Southeast San Diego community to grow food. Community residents are welcome. 5-7:30 p.m., Mt. Hope Community Garden, 4261 Market St., San Diego.

Friday, Oct. 25

La Mesa Village Farmers Market – physical activities and nutrition demonstrations, food art and taste tests. The event also celebrates the 20th anniversary of the market. 2-6 p.m., La Mesa Civic Center, located at the foot of Date Ave. across from the police station, La Mesa.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Family Fest – Physical activities, healthy snacks and community resources. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Washington Park, 501 N. Rose St., Escondido.

Tom Christensen is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact