Dover Public Library host series of workshops about local, seasonal produce
By Kyle Valentini
June 24, 2011
278
Summary: A three part series of workshops featuring local, seasonal produce continues in July with blueberries and in August with corn. The Dover Public Library, Union Hospital and The OSU Extension Office have partnered to help the public learn more about eating healthy food grown close to home.
The Dover Public Library proves to be an endless resource whether visitors are looking for books, periodicals, music or film. The multitude of programs offered at the library allows visitors to gain insight into subjects of interest and are hosted by experts in their fields.
The library has partnered with Union Hospital and The OSU Extension to bring, The Power of Produce, a three part series that kicked off Tuesday, June 21. Pam Dummermuth, Community Health and Wellness Coordinator at Union Hospital and Linda Krupa, Extension Program Assistant for Family & Consumer Sciences at the extension office hosted the hour long interactive workshop, The Super Strawberry.
The three part series aims to educate participants about seasonal produce grown in north eastern Ohio. We used a seasonal guide provided by The Tuscarawas Valley Family Farm Market to help us choose seasonal produce we could include in the program, said Pam Dummermuth. Being an RN, I was trying to feature healthy food that gives people more bank for their buck.
The workshops are casual interactive sessions that include a small presentation where we discuss the health benefits of the featured food. We also discuss the history of the food just to give folks more information about it, said Dummermuth.
From a healthcare perspective you have to look at what your long term goal is. Even if only a handful of people apply things they learn at the workshop to their daily lives or make lifestyle changes by eating healthier food grown close to home, we are closer to reaching that goal, said Dummermuth.
Participants have the opportunity to make a recipe using fresh, local produce at the peak of availability and flavor. Once completed, participants get to eat their creation.
Next in the series is, Bountiful Blueberries on July 19 at 6:30p.m. Like the first workshop, this too will include a brief presentation and then participants will be able to make a recipe using locally grown blueberries.
The library staff displays books that correspond with the topics in the workshop so participants can learn more if they want to check out books, said Dummermuth.
"The Dover Public Library is thrilled to partner with OSU Extension and Union Hospital on this project. As a public library, we are in the business of changing lives, said Jim Gill, Director at the library. Helping to educate and inspire people to make healthy food choices is very exciting."
More than just sharing information about the health benefits of eating more produce, the workshops encourage participants to buy more local produce and even grow their own.
There has been an increase in backyard gardening, said Dummermuth. The economy has had a huge influence and people simply want healthier choices.
The third and final workshop in the series will be held August 16 at 6:30p.m.and feature, Magnificent Maize. A north eastern Ohio favorite, participants can learn more about corn, the health benefits, and the history and get to sample a delicious recipe they create with the guidance of Linda Krupa.
The two remaining workshops in the series are free and everyone is welcome to attend.
The Dover Public Library is located at 525 N. Walnut St. Dover. Stop in or call the library at 330-343-6123 to register.
