The Scoop on
Whole Grains

    The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend eating 6 servings of grain foods daily, with 3 of them being "whole grain" foods. Whole grains contain a combination of health promoting substances in the three natural parts of the grain kernel: the bran, the germ and the endosperm.
    The bran protects the seed and contains B-vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. The germ contains high-quality protein, minerals, B-vitamins, vitamin E and healthy fats. The endosperm provides carbohydrates and some protein.
    White flour contains only the endosperm, so it does not have the nutrients found in whole grains. However, don't be fooled by products labeled "wheat" or "multigrain", or by the color. Look for "100% whole wheat" or "100% whole grain" in the product name and read the ingredient list on the label. Choose foods with a whole grain ingredient listed first.
    Eating whole grain foods provides several health benefits:

  • Lowers cholesterol level in the blood.
  • Helps prevent constipation.
  • Helps achieve and maintain healthy weight.
  • Reduces risk of certain types of cancer, especially colon cancer.
  • Helps lower blood sugar  levels.
  • Helps reduce the risk of  developing type 2 diabetes.
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What is  "Serve New England"?

    Serve is an alternative to food shopping, designed to       promote volunteer service by offering discounts on high quality  groceries, meat and produce items to individuals who are willing to volunteer at least 2 hours per month. If you volunteer at your church, school, hospital, senior center, etc., you already qualify. (If you are not currently volunteering anywhere, the Bugbee Senior Center may be able to help you fulfill that requirement.) Volunteering is the only requirement for membership in Serve.
    The food distributed through Serve is from top grocery store brands, such as Perdue, Dole, Kraft, Del Monte, etc. There are four different food packages:

  • Family Meal Package $18 (4 meals for a family of 4)
  • Produce Package: $12
  • Meat Only Package: $11
  • Meat Specials: Prices vary according to type, cut & quantity.
The specific food items in each package varies each month and there is no limit to the number of packages you may purchase.
    For more information or to sign up, call 1-888-742-7363 or visit their website at www.servenewengland.org.  They will put you in touch with the closest of their 350 chapters. (According to their website, there are several in the greater Upper Valley area.)

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