Food Bank Article: National Sweet Potato Month
North Carolina is the biggest producer of sweet potatoes in the US. Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be savory or sweet, depending on the cook methods and seasoning. They can be cooked in a variety of ways including baking, sautéing, broiling, boiling, steaming, grilling, or microwaving.
Sweet potatoes are full of vitamins and nutrients, and when prepared in a low fat/low sugar method, can be enjoyed by everyone. A medium sweet potato has approximately 100 calories and is a great source of Vitamin A, which helps in eye and bone health and builds immune system. They are also a great source of fiber and potassium. Fiber is great for the digestive system and potassium aids in lowering blood pressure.
For maximum flavor, store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated container. Sweet potatoes come in a variety of colors ranging from purple to orange to red.
Try increasing your sweet potato intake to help support our local North Carolina farmers and consume a healthy vegetable full of nutrients.
The Food Bank has also shared the following recipe for Sweet Potato Pie Oatmeal.
Healthy Recipe Videos
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has put together a series of healthy recipe videos that are available to watch on YouTube.com HERE.
About the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina: The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that has provided food for people at risk of hunger in 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina for 40 years. The Food Bank serves a network of more than 900 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults through warehouses in Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, the Sandhills (Southern Pines), and Wilmington.
The Food Bank not only feeds those who are hungry; but also works to benefit community health. That’s why, in 2016, the Food Bank launched a Community Health & Engagement Department. With two nutritionists on staff, the Food Bank shares recipes, healthy tips, and other resources for partner agencies and neighbors in need. The on-site teaching kitchen in Raleigh offers cooking demonstrations and nutrition education to highlight easy, quick, and low-cost recipes using healthful foods like whole grains, fresh produce, low fat dairy, and lean meats.
Monthly Articles from the Food Bank
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina shares regular articles about nutrition and health education so we know what to look for when we head to the grocery store and plan our healthy meals. Following are some of the articles featured recently on the WRAL Smart Shopper page.
