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Celebrating National Farmers Market Week: Nourishing Communities, Fostering Change

August 9, 2023 by Gael Doyle 1 Comment

Happy National Farmers Market Week! This dedicated week offers us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of local food networks – our beloved farmers markets. Did you know that Community Farmers Markets hosts two markets in Decatur?

The Decatur Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 4-7pm at the First Baptist Church Decatur on Clairemont (308 Clairemont Ave Decatur, GA 30030), running from March 29 to November 15. Meanwhile, the Oakhurst Farmers Market takes center stage every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Sceptre Brewing Arts in Decatur (630 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030), operating from January 7 to December 16. The markets match all SNAP purchases with double the money for fruits and vegetables. To learn more about Community Farmers Markets, visit their website at cfmatl.org.

As we celebrate the 24th annual event from August 6th to 12th, 2023, it’s time to recognize and honor the pivotal role that farmers markets play in shaping our nation’s food system. Serving as vibrant conduits between growers and consumers, these markets are the epicenter of community nourishment and well-being. As we celebrate this special week, we delve into the ways in which farmers markets champion the seven dimensions of well-being, aligning perfectly with NRPA’s vision of Community Wellness Hubs.

Cultural

Farmers markets become cultural melting pots, embracing diversity through multilingual marketing materials and interpreter assistance.
An array of culturally diverse foods and products grace market stalls, connecting communities to their roots.

Economic

Farmers markets emerge as launchpads for small businesses and budding entrepreneurs, nurturing their growth and success.
The ethos of producer-only markets resonates, funneling financial support back into the local economy.
Acceptance of nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and EBT matching programs enhances accessibility to fresh, local produce.

Emotional

Vibrant and lively atmospheres at markets are crafted through live music, food trucks, and a channel for feedback, creating safe havens for visitors.
Markets evolve into artistic hubs, showcasing talents through artist displays and community art activities.
Intergenerational bonds form between producers and customers, nurturing a sense of belonging.

Environmental

Markets step outdoors, reuniting communities with nature and fostering an appreciation for locally sourced sustenance.
Vendors champion sustainability by offering reusable packaging from renewable sources.
Shoppers become educated about regional foods and their seasonal availability, nurturing a deeper connection with their environment.
Environmental awareness thrives through initiatives like composting, and environmental health education.

Intellectual

Farmers markets evolve into classrooms, offering cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and artisanal workshops.
Knowledge transfer between seasoned and novice farmers cultivates a cycle of continuous learning.
Local schools contribute to educational programming, introducing STEM activities and interactive demonstrations.

Physical

Lively markets facilitate physical well-being through Zumba, fitness demos, yoga sessions, and invigorating park walks.
Shoppers receive a bounty of healthy recipes, complementing the nutrient-rich fresh produce available.
Strategic health care partnerships bring wellness resources to the market encouraging healthy choices.

Social

Markets evolve into communal spaces where shoppers gather for shared meals, evening concerts, and entertainment.
Walking and running clubs find a home at markets, fostering camaraderie and physical activity.
Markets serve as the backdrop for various community events, encouraging visitors to connect with social programs and fellow attendees.

“Farmers markets grow community,” and parks and recreation is where community grows.

Farmers Markets: Catalysts of Change

Farmers markets are catalysts for transformative change. They reshape our interactions with food, amplify our sense of community, and fuel our drive for sustainability. Across the United States, farmers markets are redefining their role, transcending the boundaries of mere transactional spaces and embracing their identities as community catalysts. These markets thrive through the commitment of dedicated individuals and teams who tirelessly work behind the scenes, weaving connections, fostering partnerships, and curating spaces of nourishment and exchange.

Championing Equitable Spaces

The evolution of farmers markets also signifies a cultural shift. Efforts are underway to enhance equity within the farmers market landscape, ensuring that these spaces mirror the communities they serve. Market operators and community organizers are steering the course towards inclusivity, striving to create safe, inviting, and accessible havens for all.

Our Farmers Market Journey

This National Farmers Market Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating the profound impact of farmers markets on our lives and our communities. Let’s reflect on the changes we’ve experienced – from embracing seasonal eating to fostering economic vitality in our neighborhoods. Together, we’re building a future where farmers markets stand not only as hubs of nourishment but also as epicenters of transformation, unity, and well-being.

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Greenspaces, Decatur Parks & Rec Tagged with Active Living, City of Decatur, Exercise, nutrition

Celebrate National Wellness Month with Decatur Parks & Recreation!

August 1, 2023 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

In August, we come together to celebrate National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines. It’s a perfect opportunity to create wholesome habits in your lifestyle and focus on self-care to feel like your best self! We all know how life can get busy with work, traffic, family obligations, and other stressors. However, research has shown that practicing self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. To lead a happy and healthy life, it is crucial to prioritize wellness and self-care.

Physical Fitness and Activity: Moving Towards Better Health

One of the key pillars of Wellness Month is promoting physical fitness and activity. Engaging in regular exercise not only benefits our physical health but also improves our mental well-being. Whether you love jogging in one of our many parks, attending yoga classes, or playing sports, finding activities that bring you joy can make staying active a delightful experience. At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we offer various fitness classes and open gym activities, like basketball and pickleball, to support your health and well-being. Check out our Playbook to see all our program offerings!

Nutrition: Fueling our Bodies with Nourishing Choices

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health, and Wellness Month encourages us to reevaluate our eating habits and make healthier food choices. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into our meals can provide essential nutrients and support our immune system. At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we collaborate with pre-med Emory students to promote nutrition and healthy eating habits for the community. If you have expertise in cooking or nutrition and would like to teach a class at one of our rec centers, reach out to us at dprd@decaturga.com.

Mental Health: Cultivating Inner Peace and Resilience

Taking care of our mental well-being is equally important as caring for our physical health. During Wellness Month, we encourage practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-reducing techniques. Nurturing our mental health can lead to increased focus, better sleep, and enhanced overall happiness. We offer Yoga and Tai Chi classes to help support you on your journey.

Community Engagement: Building a Supportive Network

Social connections play a vital role in our well-being, and Wellness Month motivates us to connect with our community and build supportive networks. Join us for a 2-3 mile walk every Wednesday morning to connect with your neighbors while getting your steps in. Additionally, you can visit Volunteer! Decatur to actively participate in various community events organized by the City.

Healthy Habits for the Long Run

Remember, investing in our health is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By cultivating healthy habits and incorporating them into our daily lives, we pave the way for a happier, healthier future. As we embrace this month-long celebration of health and well-being, let’s support one another, strive for balance, and make Wellness Month a stepping stone towards a brighter and healthier future. Happy Wellness Month from Decatur Parks & Recreation!

Filed under City of Decatur, Decatur Parks & Rec, Walk Decatur Tagged with City of Decatur, Exercise, nutrition

How to Prepare Your Body for a Workout

July 31, 2023 by Gael Doyle Leave a comment

Are you looking to start or return to a normal exercise routine? By making the decision to be more physically active, you’ve already taken the first step towards a healthier you. But in order to establish a consistent exercise schedule, you need to prepare your body.Thankfully, preparing for physical activity is pretty simple; you just need to focus on a few specific areas. By putting in a little time beforehand, you’ll reduce your risk of injury and get the most out of your workout. This Monday, learn all you need to know about readying your body and mind for exercise.

Stay Hydrated by Drinking Water

The human body depends on water to help get rid of wastes, regulate temperature, keep joints healthy, and protect sensitive tissues. Being dehydrated will make you feel tired and drained of energy—not exactly how you want to feel before a workout.So how much water should you drink? Well, that depends on your body size, the weather, and the duration/intensity of exercise. Feeling thirsty is a clear sign of dehydration, but you can also check the color of your urine: pale or clear urine is an indication that you’re well hydrated, while a dark yellow color is a sign that you should drink more water.

Power Your Workout with Proper Nutrition

What you eat before and after you exercise is almost as important as the workout itself. Food is your fuel—it gives you the energy necessary to be active and focused, and it also provides the nutrients required to build muscle and bone strength, as well as help the body recover post workout.Before exercising, try to stick with eating carbohydrates that won’t upset the stomach, such as bananas, oatmeal, or whole grain bread. For a post-workout meal, eat a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Foods high in protein allow the body to build new muscle tissue, while carbohydrate-rich foods are better for after a run or another endurance exercise. Refuel your body with foods like beans, quinoa, or Greek yogurt.

Warm Up and Cool Down

Starting physical activity with a warmup and concluding it with a cooldown can help you improve the quality of your workout. A warmup raises your body temperature and increases blood flow to the muscles. This improves the stretchiness of the muscle tissue and can help reduce muscle tightness, pain, and risk of injury. Although there’s no strict definition for what constitutes a “warmup,” the basic idea is doing an activity or exercise at a slower pace (stretching, using lighter weights) to help prepare the body for more intense movement.After moderate physical activity, a 10-minute cooldown allows body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure to return to their normal levels. Cooldown exercises, like stretching, walking, foam rolling, and deep breathing, can help lower your risk of injury and reduce stress to the heart and other muscles.

Stretch for Success

Stretching is more than just a warmup. By improving your flexibility through stretching, you are effectively lowering your risk of injury and pain, broadening range motion, improving posture, and bettering body control and stability. And most importantly, being more flexible makes every-day activities easier: from getting out of bed to walking up stairs to reaching a high cabinet.Stretching seems simple—and it is—but there are some general guidelines to follow to help you avoid injury. First, warm up with a few minutes of brisk walking. When starting a stretch, always moves gently and smoothly into position, stopping when you feel any sort of sharp pain. Initially, you’ll want to hold stretches for between 10 and 20 seconds, but as you get more comfortable, you can extend the hold time for as long as 30 seconds. Don’t know where to start? Check out our list of beginner stretches and stretching tips.Make this Monday your day to get active. For more information on how you can prepare yourself for exercise, click here.

Filed under Decatur Parks & Rec, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with Exercise, Healthy Monday, nutrition

March is Nutrition Month: What to eat before and after workouts

March 1, 2021 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

From our friends at MondayCampaigns.org:

What you eat before and after you exercise is almost as important as the workout itself. Food is your fuel—it gives you the energy necessary to be active and focused, and it also provides the nutrients required to build muscle and bone strength, as well as help the body recover post workout.

This Monday, in honor of Nutrition Month, plan some meals around your workouts.

Filed under Exercise, Monday Campaigns Tagged with MoveItMonday, nutrition, sports nutrition

Today is World Coconut Day

September 2, 2020 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

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From NationalToday.com:

You can’t make a piña colada or a decent Thai curry without it, its water makes a great recovery drink, and its fibrous husk, when burned, repels mosquitos — these are just three of many excellent reasons to celebrate World Coconut Day on September 2.

One of nature’s most versatile products, the coconut plant (and its various parts) can be used for food and drink, cosmetic preparations, and decorating. Some coconut proponents (cocoproponents?) even claim that the fruit’s oil can reverse dental decay — if you swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes a day! Most of us aren’t comfortable with a mouthful of oil, no matter whence that oil comes or what it’s purported to do. But we can still get caught up in the coconut craze.

Whether you’re stuck on a deserted island or comfortable in your own home, here are some (relatively normal) ideas for using this tropical wonderfruit.

Try making one of these desserts that feature coconut.

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with Coconuts, nutrition, World Coconut Day

Move It Monday: Eat Healthy for a Better Workout

March 4, 2019 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

move it monday

From our friends at Move It Monday:

When you’re getting ready for your next workout, remember that you’ll need to fuel up before and after you get moving. The right foods will help you get the most out of any exercise you choose to do and help your body recover when it’s over. This Monday, make sure your grocery list includes nutritious foods that will do your body good!

Even if you stick to low-impact exercise, eating the right kind of nutritious foods will help optimize your workout and get you in shape to come back for more. When it comes to fitness, think carbs! Carbohydrates are the key to fueling your workouts and helping you recover later. As a pre-workout food, reach for fruits and vegetables or whole grains. Save protein for after your workout since it digests more slowly and might slow you down.

One thing to do before, during, and after your workout is hydrate. The best choice is always water! You can also blend your water with fruit juice to give it a boost of natural carbohydrates. It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated, even if you don’t break a sweat.

If you do engage in exercise that is more high-impact, pay closer attention to the foods you eat as well as staying hydrated. Vigorous activity will make you sweat and you’ll have to replace the water you lose. Increase your usual water intake and eat hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, celery, cucumbers, and strawberries. One excellent option post-workout is milk, which not only provides the benefits of hydration but also contains protein to repair your muscles.

Starting a healthy diet and regular exercise this Monday will not only benefit your physical health, they can provide the energy that you need to power through your busiest days!

For more information visit moveitmonday.org.

Filed under City of Decatur, Exercise, Healthy Monday, Monday Campaigns Tagged with nutrition

Nutrition Month: Eat Locally for Better Health and a Better Planet

March 15, 2017 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

Photo from 3.bp.blogspot

Have you been making an effort to “eat locally?” Lots of people are! Growing your own food or buying it from local farmers is good for you and the environment. Eating locally helps reduce greenhouse gasses created through mass production and distribution of food. It also helps you to eat fruits and vegetables that are in season, which taste better and can expand the variety of produce you eat. Here’s how you can make changes that will benefit your health and the planet:

Join a CSA program. Community supported agriculture (CSA) allows you to buy a share from a nearby farm. CSA subscribers receive a weekly box of freshly-picked produce for a set fee. There are many farms that deliver food to locations right in Decatur. Visit localharvest.org/csa to find a location near you.
Have a green thumb? Grow fruits and vegetables in your own backyard. If you don’t have the outdoor space, take advantage of the many community gardens in Decatur that you can rent for a small fee.
Shop at local farmers markets. The Decatur Farmers Market operates year-round and only sells produce grown within 100 miles of Decatur. There is even a dietitian on-site to give you cooking ideas and tell you more about the participating farms. Visit cfmatl.org/decatur for hours and a list of vendors.

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with Decatur Farmers Market, Eating Locally, National Nutrition Month, nutrition

Is Your Child a Picky Eater?

March 6, 2017 by saraeholmes Leave a comment

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Photo from parentdish.com

Do you have picky eaters in the house? You’re not alone. It can be particularly difficult to raise healthy eaters in today’s environment. Grocery stores are packed with junk food marketed to kids, and much of it is misrepresented as a healthy choice to parents. Holidays, celebrations, and even children’s sporting events are opportunities for kids to load up on processed foods and sugar. Why does this matter if your child isn’t overweight? Children who eat a healthy diet are more likely to eat healthy as adults, reducing their risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other diet-related disease.

It can take a lot of time, preparation, and determination to raise healthy eaters, but with these tips you’ll be on the road to improving your child’s palate and health.

Involve children in planning and preparing meals. Read cookbooks together, bring them grocery shopping, and give them simple food prep tasks to engage them in healthy eating.
Don’t give up if your child refuses certain foods. It can take 10, 20, or even more exposures to new foods before a child will eat them.
Ease up on snacks. Hungry children are more likely to eat healthy foods at mealtime. Keep sliced fruits and vegetables in the fridge to tide kids over during meal prep.
Buy a portion plate (like the ones found here: http://www.superhealthykids.com/shop) and ask your child to help you fill it. This teaches kids how to build balanced meals.
Make sure your child gets plenty of physical activity and sleep. Active, well-rested kids (and adults!) make healthier food choices and have fewer junk food cravings.

Filed under City of Decatur Tagged with National Nutrition Month, nutrition, Picky eaters

Decatur Parks & Recreation Department