Welcome to the FCHS newsletter, where we share favorite seasonal and healthy recipes. We bring to your inbox upcoming workshops and events, as well as health and wellness news and resources. For more information, visit our website.

MAY 2024

RECIPE OF THE MONTH:

Risotto Primavera

Ingredients:

(Makes 6 Servings)

8 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, chopped

1-1/3 cups Arborio rice

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 cup zucchini, diced

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

1-1/3 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

1/4 tsp Kosher salt

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 TBSP unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnishing

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté a few minutes until soft.   Add the rice and stir to coat, cook about 2 minutes. Add the white wine and cook until it’s absorbed. Add a ladle full of broth to cover rice, cook until it’s absorbed, while stirring. Continue to add the broth and stir as the broth is absorbed until the rice is al dente.  Add in zucchini, peas, tomatoes and asparagus, and 1/4 salt for the last 5 minutes. The process should take about 20 to 25 minutes from the first addition of liquid, with the final product still a bit loose and creamy, but not runny. Stir in the basil, butter, grated cheese and serve immediately.

Recipe/photo from: https://www.skinnytaste.com/risotto-primavera/

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 

Montgomery Township

Montgomery Township is part of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayor's Wellness Campaign, a statewide health initiative of more than 400 municipalities working to improve the physical, social, and emotional health and wellness of their communities.

The township’s health and wellness initiatives, coordinated in partnership with the Montgomery Rocky Hill Municipal Alliance, Youth Services Commission, and Healthier Somerset, is dedicated to achieving community health goals. Events this year included “Beat the Winter Blues”, which focused on social and emotional well-being, and “Community Safety Day”, which featured important first aid and emergency preparedness lessons from first responders.

The Mayor’s Wellness Campaign aims to offer monthly events and collaborate with township staff, appointed boards and committees, school leaders, community organizations, and local businesses to encourage the community to embrace healthy eating habits, active lifestyles, social connections and prioritize mental health and well-being.

Mayor Neena Singh says, “The wellbeing of Montgomery residents is of paramount importance. Our events are an opportunity to share information and build community connections, which is a key tenant of the Mayor's Wellness Campaign.”

FCHS OUT AND ABOUT

Dairy and Non-Dairy Alternatives Presentation FCHS MS/Dietetic Intern Sweta Suman provided Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Somerset County with an informative presentation highlighting nutritional value of both dairy and non-dairy milk products. The presentation compared and contrasted various attributes of each product, providing insight as to which milk option is most suitable for certain individuals based on its contents.

Somerset County 4-H Ag-Venture Day: Growing Beans As part of the Somerset County 4-H youth event, "Ag-Venture Day Takes On Spring Break", FCHS Program Coordinator Jennifer Korneski hosted a workshop about growing beans, in which youth were able to learn about how beans grow and make a white bean dip.

Spring Wellness Day: Talk Herbs With FCHS FCHS took part in the Somerset County Spring Wellness Day on April 12. County employees learned about the health benefits of herbs, different ways to use them in recipes, and enjoyed a tasting of lemon herb sauce.

JOIN OUR TEAM

Open Position: FCHS Administrative Assistant

Our Family & Community Health Sciences department is looking for a full-time Administrative Assistant. 

View position description and application at Administrative Assistant, FCHS | Employment Opportunities | Somerset County

HEALTH RESOURCES

NJ Empower to Prevent: the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP)

The NDPP is an evidence-based, lifestyle change program, shown to reduce the risk of developing diabetes. The year-long virtual program focuses on modest weight loss, healthy eating and physical activity, stress reduction, and healthy coping. Sessions are enrolling for May 2024. For more information on NJ Empower to Prevent program (PDF) and eligibility for the program (PDF) contact Mikaela Kane at mtk104@njaes.rutgers.edu.

FACEBOOK EVENTS

Family Favorites:

Join us for "Family Favorites" on Facebook Live each week on Fridays at 11:00 a.m. We will showcase a variety of ideas for healthy family-friendly meals, snacks, and discuss other food-related topics - all of which are focused on flavor, fun, and easy preparation.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/SCNJFCHS/events to view all upcoming Facebook Live events!

Workout of the Week:

Join us for “Workout of the Week” videos posted each Monday. May videos will highlight stretching, strength, mobility, and aerobic exercises that can be done from the comfort of your home.

Wellness Wednesdays with FCHS Webinars
@ 12:30 pm
Click on the links below to register for this month's series of Wellness Wednesdays!

May 8: Communicating Effectively with Loved Ones with Alzheimer's and Dementia

May 15: Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body

May 22: Bridging the Rural Behavioral Health Treatment Access Gap through Community Engagement and Technology