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Check Out the Trans Fat!
Scientific evidence shows that eating saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fat raises the "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels that cause blockages and narrowing of important blood vessels. Making heart healthy food choices is easier now because, as of January 1, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that food labels list trans fat with saturated fat and cholesterol on the Nutrition Facts Panel.
What is trans fat? A small amount of trans fat is found naturally in animal foods, but the majority of trans fat is formed when liquid oils are made into solid fats through the process of hydrogenation. Adding hydrogen to vegetable oil to create a solid fat, like shortening and hard margarine, produces trans fat. Hydrogenation increases the shelf life and flavor stability of foods containing these fats.
Trans fat is found in processed foods made with these hydrogenated shortenings -- crackers, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, baked goods and candies. When you eat trans fat, it acts like saturated fat, causing the "bad" (LDL) cholesterol level to rise, increasing the risk for heart disease.
Where is Trans Fat on the Food Label? The amount of trans fat is listed directly below the line for saturated fat on the Nutrition Facts panel. When comparing foods, check the label information and choose the food with the lowest combined amount of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. Add the grams of saturated fat and trans fat together; choose the product with the lowest total grams of these fats
(adapted from "Nutrition News & Views",
Volume 3, Issue 2, Winter 2006
distributed by VT Dept of Disabilities,
Aging & Independent Living)
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SEVCA Seeds and Food Stamps
By Sandy Thompson
We've almost turned the corner to embrace spring, and that means Farm to Family coupons will be coming soon and so will the free seeds that SEVCA (Southeastern VT Community Action) gives out. But, in the meantime, might it be helpful to have some support buying more food, or higher quality food? If you answered "yes" to either or both questions, then food stamps may be the answer for you.
First of all, they are no longer actually stamps. They are now distributed to some folks by using a plastic card just like a credit card. However, for the elderly or disabled, the money is just deposited in your bank account as regular cash funds to be spent however you wish.
You must fit within certain income guidelines to qualify for them, but using food stamps as a resource will help you to make ends meet. They could be especially helpful after the high fuel costs this winter. You may only need to take advantage of food stamps for a limited time, perhaps during a financial crunch, but they are available to you for as long as you qualify. And SEVCA maintains confidentiality at all times, so you don't need to be concerned that anyone else knows you receive this benefit. We respect your privacy.
If you think using food stamps might help, you can contact your local SEVCA office and one of our outreach workers can help you complete an application. At that time, we can determine if there are other services that you might benefit from in making ends meet. For the Hartford area, call 295-5215 and Sandy will be happy to assist you.
In the meantime, be thinking about those seeds that will soon be coming in and all the pleasures growing your own garden bring.
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