food rx
Hospital’s School-Based Clinic in Columbia Falls, identify families and individuals with health conditions and screen them for food insecurity, which then qualifies them for a Food Rx prescription for a healthier diet. When an individual or family needs such a prescription, and assistance in obtaining the fresh fruits and vegetables they get enrolled in the Food Rx program. Once their provider gives the prescription, families or individuals fill it at one of three local farmer’s markets in Columbia Falls, Kalispell, or Whitefish. If the markets are the “FARMacy,” then Farm Hands Program Director Brenna Sellars is their FARMicist.
As their FARMicist, Brenna strives to help the families understand the nutritional value of the foods and how to use them. At the markets she introduces them to a wider variety of foods, some of which they may have never seen before, let alone eaten or tried to cook. In addition to helping them choose produce, the program provides participants with simple, healthy recipes and additional ingredients such as olive oil, lemon juice and spices needed to cook meals. They also teach skills such cutting vegetables,
Bok Choy
food storage as well as how to find more recipes. Particularly important is that the program is for families so that the habits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and making healthy eating a priority is passed on generationally to help make a long term difference in our communities health.
“We’re offering a habit-changing program which can be intimidating,” Brenna said. “This is step-by-step program. We encourage them and share ideas.”
Brenna explains that the consistency of coming to the farmers markets each week and talking to her and other volunteers that help with the program opens their minds. “People get excited and are willing to try things!”
This year’s upcoming market season marks the fourth season for Food Rx. Even during the pandemic, ten families—nearly 50 people—were involved last season and Farm Hands looks forward to working with more individuals including participants from Kalispell Regional Healthcare’s Diabetes Prevention Program. At the end of the season participants will go to the fall Har-
Storage
When storing Bok Choy do not wash until you use it. It will keep fresh in a refrigerator for 6 days.
Directions: 1. Keep our bok choy somewhat intact, so the
first thing you want to do is either halve or quarter each stalk (depending on the size of the bok choy) and wash under cold running water.
Raw
Bok Choy can be consumed raw similar to celery. Cut off leafy top and eat stalk raw or dip in hummus, ranch or your favor veggie dip.
Gardening
Planting bok choy indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and then transplant your growing bok choy two weeks later. Because bok choy is a cold weather veg-
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As the program grows, so do the ideas—a cookbook is in the works—and perhaps a few classes in the Healing Garden. Just as any garden brought to life with caring hands, these good seeds will continue to nourish the Flathead for generations to come.
Olive oil Garlic (optional) onion (optional) bok choy soy sauce salt/pepper to taste
Bok Choy had been grown in China for 5000 years! It is a member of the cabbage family and is packed with vitamins A and C.
Heat pan to high, add butter or oil to coat bottom of pan and add chopped Bok Choy. Sauté until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add to vegetable dishes, soups, stir fry’s and other dishes.
vest Market and receive a pantry care package including information about how to store food through the winter.
Simple Bok Choy
Provided by Farm Hands' Food Rx
Sauté
The Healing Garden in bloom, summer 2020.
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2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat etable, it can withstand cooler temperatures, so you could always start them directly in the ground at this point as well. Read more at Gardening Know How: Planting Bok Choy: How To Grow Bok Choy https://www.gardeningknowhow. com/edible/vegetables/bok-choy/ planting-bok-choy.htm
Nutrition Information
(1 cup serving) 9 Calories | 0g Fat | 1g Protein | 74mg Calcium | .56mg Iron
and add the oil. Swirl to coat the entire surface of the pan. As soon as the oil is hot, add the garlic and sautè for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
3. Add the bok choy, soy sauce, and a little more olive oil. Toss and cover. Cook for approximately 2 minutes before uncovering, tossing, and covering. Continue to cook the bok choy until white parts reach desired doneness (We found that this varies from person to person as some people prefer crunchier bok choy, while others prefer a more well-done stir-fry). 4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper as desired.
NOTE: Bok Choy is a great addition to any stir fry or as a stand-alone side.