Pollinators in the Kitchen: Nurtured by Nature

Pausing for a moment outside with the colors of Summer, pollinators can be seen flying and crawling from one flower to the next: butterflies, bees, beetles, wasps, flies, birds, and small animals. Did you know that people depend on more than 200,000 species of pollinators? A land rich with pollinators is vital to every meal, both plant-based and animal-based. From flowers to fruits, veggies, and squash. From flower to seeds, nuts, beans and grains.

This June, in the Healthy Teaching Kitchen, we’re honoring the rainbow of foods that pollinators make possible.

At our June Cooking Demo we’ll be making tacos, fresh avocado tomatillo salsa, and cabbage and Brussels sprouts salad. We’ll have guest presenter, fellow pollinator enthusiast, and Landscape Ecologist Hailey Malone from Umpqua Valley Farm to School, speaking on behalf of pollinators, and how to strengthen this beneficial relationship with every bite.

National Pollinator Week is June 16-22. You may wonder how to celebrate? You could buy organic or locally harvested foods for the week, supporting farming and gardening strategies that limit pesticide use. Or, spread a blanket on the ground in a garden or other outdoor space and settle into a picnic. Listen and lookout for bees before sitting!

This article comes to you from the Cow Creek Health and Wellness Center Dietetics and Healthy Living Team

Please reach out to one of our Lifestyle Coaches for lifestyle and nutrition support, or join one of the Diabetes Prevention Program groups! (541) 672-8533