It is  important to recognize the value of eating a healthy meal together as a family. Kids also do better in school, eat healthier and are less likely to be overweight when they gather together for family meals. Busy schedules can often make eating together difficult. However, remember that family meals can happen at any time of the day or place such as during breakfast or snack time. Get your whole family involved in the planning, preparation and cleanup to make family meals work for everyone!

This week at the Education Kiosk (located on the outskirts of the produce department) we will demonstrate  a couple meal ideas that will be great for the whole family.  Enjoy samples and pick-up some recipes, including one for dessert too!

Thursday, September 8, 2011, 3:00-6:00 p.m.: Raw Food Day: Raw Apple Pie
This will make a great, sweet family dessert! Using pecans, dates, walnuts, vanilla, maple syrup and celtic sea salt for a raw crust, this nutty concoction packs lots of protein, fiber and minerals! The filling consists of a dried mixture of apples, dates, raisins and flaxseed naturally sweetened with raw honey and cinnamon.

Saturday, September 10, 2011, 12:00-3:00 p.m.: Slow Cooker Day: BBQ Lentil Sandwiches
Who needs meat?! This savory vegan dish is perfect for the fall season and for any game day. Lentils are the  fiber and iron all-star of the legume family. Enjoy the spicy sweet richness of this recipe which includes brown sugar, molasses, cider vinegar, jalapeno, onion, garlic and more. Paired with some dill pickle chips, this sandwich will be sure-fire hit with your family.

Monday, September 12, 2011, 3:00-6:00 p.m.: Budget Meal: BLT Linguini or Rigatoni
Instead of the regular spaghetti dinner with hamburger, change it up with some Down in the Valley Bacon! Using  bacon, chicken broth, linguini or rigatoni pasta, diced tomatoes,  fresh parsley and cream cheese, this flavorful dish puts a new spin on the meaning of BLT!

LOOKING FOR A COUPON? Save on ingredients to make all these wonderful recipes! Coupons are good through September 13, 2011.

What’s cooking at the Education Kiosk (located on outskirts of the produce department) on Thursday, September 1st from 3:00-6:00 p.m. ?

It’s forbidden to talk about! Well, of course, that isn’t true. However, what is referred to as forbidden rice was only exclusively  eaten by the Emperors of China to enrich healthy and ensure longevity. Be sure to try our Lotus Foods’ forbidden rice dish at the kiosk this Thursday and you will be wowed by the rice’s delicious roasted nutty taste and deep, blackish purple color. It is also amazingly gluten-free!

It’s no wonder at its exclusivity in ancient times as one spoonful of  forbidden rice  has the same amount of antioxidants as a spoonful of fresh blueberries.  It also has the richest nutritional value of any bran rice out there because it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids and vegetable fats and essential trace elements needed by the body.

Also, we will cook up a small sampling of all our NEW Lotus Foods rices for you to try including madagascar pink, volcano, jade pearl, carnaroli and  bhutanese red.  You can find these new rices in our grocery department in 15 ounce bags.  Similar to the forbidden variety, all are rich with history and nutritional value!

Also, beyond rice, Minnesota apple season is starting to rev up! Join us on Saturday, September 3rd from noon-3:00 p.m. for a Minnesota apple juicing demonstration.

LOOKING FOR A COUPON? Save on Lotus Foods rice and local apples ! These coupons are good through Tuesday, September 6.

A nice, hearty, handmade,  European-Style  artisan bread is hard to come by these days.

However, look no further than St. Paul-based bakery,  A Toast To Bread.

Their wide variety of artisan buns, breads and dinner rolls available at Valley Natural Foods are definitely something to “toast” to.

Celebrating 25 years in business in 2011, this company isn’t long-standing just because of their great products; they also have a lot of heart.

They know how to reach out and give back to their community.

On short notice they were able to provide a donation of 100 hot dog buns for a cookout fundraiser  at local Burnsville church, Faith Covenant. The donation helped  the church raise $1155.00 toward a mission trip to Honduras. During this mission trip, the church participants will bring water to villages that have none.

Valley Natural Foods member helping coordinate the event, Ron Achterkirch couldn’t be more grateful for all the donations. He told us the event wouldn’t have been possible without all the support.

Thanks A Toast To Bread for all that you do!

LOOKING FOR A COUPON? Check out our online coupon page and save $.75 on any A Toast To Bread Product. Coupon good thru August 30, 2011.

If you have a sweet tooth or need an afternoon pick-me-up, do stop by our Education Kiosk Korner over the next week (located on the outskirts of our produce department).

We will be demonstrating a few new products that  may fool you because although they’re sweet-they’re good for you too! Be sure to stop by and get a taste and maybe a recipe too!

Orgain Meal Replacement Drink Demo, Thursday, August 25, 2011, 3:00-6:00 p.m.: Many meal replacement drinks on the market today contain lots of sugar, but not Orgain. Don’t let the Creamy Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Bean flavors fool you. Orgain’s Meal Replacement drink only has 13 grams of sugar (natural sugar from organic evaporated cane juice) per 11 oz compared to 22-25 grams from some conventional brands. Orgain was also developed by a practicing physician and cancer survivor so you can be sure it is healthy! It contains a great blend of organic protein, complex carbohydrates from brown rice, 10 certified organic veggies, and 24 vitamins and minerals. It’s also gluten-free!

Nutiva’s Superfood Brownie Demo,  Monday, August 29, 2011, 3:00-6:00 p.m.: A brownie that is healthy – no way! Yes, it’s true! This brownie is chock full of  Nutiva’s coconut manna, coconut oil, chia seeds and hemp seeds.  If you are not on the coconut bandwagon yet, now is the time. Coconut manna is made from pure, dried coconut flesh and coconut oil. Jam-packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants that aid in weight loss, digestion and energy, coconut manna, chia and hemp seeds are a super combination for any athlete or for an afternoon boost.  Here’s to keeping you charged!

LOOKING FOR A COUPON? Check out our online coupon page and save on bulk Nutiva Hemp and Chia Seeds or on Orgain’s Meal Replacement Drink. Coupons are good thru August 30th, 2011.

It is hard to believe that it is already mid August and that in a few weeks school will start again!

If your child has food allergies, specifically gluten, you know how hard it is to pack a healthy, allergy-free school lunch.

Valley Natural Foods wants  to help your family start the year off right!

Join  us on Thursday, August 18th from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at our education kiosk for our Gluten-Free School Lunch demonstration.

Enjoy free samples of our gluten-free peanut butter sandwiches using our Down in the Valley gluten-free sandwich bread and MaraNatha peanut butter.  Also, pick up recipes for our No Bake Power Balls (which contain Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Rolled Oats) and Enjoy Life chocolate bars. All Enjoy Life products are specially made to be free of the 8 common allergies: wheat, dairy, peanuts, soy, egg , fish and shellfish.

MaraNatha is also supporting schools and nutrition through their new “Healthy Bite  Sweepstakes”.  Anybody 18 years of age or older can enter now until September 30th, 2011.  MaraNatha  will give out 10 grand prizes that include a $500 grant towards a school nutrition program, a $500 savings bond in your child’s name, and a one year supply of MaraNatha peanut butter. 10 first prizes will be given out which include a $250 savings bond in your child’s name and a one year supply of MaraNatha peanut butter. Register today! No purchase necessary!

If you are looking a budget-friendly meal to serve your family, don’t miss our Budget meal  demonstration on Monday, August 22nd from 3:00-6:00 p.m, featuring Lundberg Risotto. Find out how you can make a meal out it! It is easy to cook and is made from organic arborio rice. The rice is also vegan and gluten-free.

LOOKING FOR A COUPON? Save on MaraNatha Peanut Butter, Down in the Valley sandwich bread or hamburger buns, Enjoy Life Mega Chocolate Chunks and Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Rolled Old Fashioned Oats with these coupons. Coupons are good through August 23rd, 2011.

Eat Local, America! starts this August. Hosted by natural food co-ops nationwide, including Valley Natural Foods, this initiative highlights the great taste of local food while celebrating our communities’ farmers and other food producers who make it all possible.

As you know, the first-ever Eat Local! Farm Tour, sponsored by 9 Twin Cities Co-ops, including Valley Natural Foods, will kick-off this initiative on Saturday, July 30th.

Continue the eating local  celebration and the lazy days of summer in Valley Natural Foods’ Co-op Community Gardens on August 2nd for the Night to Unite and on  August 6th for Community Gardening Day!

On August 2nd, from 6-8pm, come to the co-op and experience our garden tours. Discover our edible landscaping, our mandala gardens and our container gardens. Also enjoy FREE watermelon slices and cold lemonade.

On August 6th from 11-2pm, come and meet our community gardeners in our co-op’s first ever participation in the  Gardening Matters’ Community Gardening Day. Over 50 Twin Cities community gardens are on the tour and everyone has fun, different activities available! Be sure to check out the  official map of all  the garden locations and  festivities available.

Our festivities include getting a chance to meet and talk gardening with our community gardeners along with enjoying a live garden recipe demonstration and FREE samples with local gardener and healthy food instructor, Loris Sofia Gregory. We will have FREE fair-trade coffee, cold beverages and glad corn available too.  Loris will be starting a new ‘F.R.E.S.H. and Local Class Series at Valley Natural Foods every third Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8:30 p.m, starting August 16th through Novemer. Cost is $15.00 for members and $18.00 for non-members. Sign-up at customer service or by calling 952-891-1212, ext. 221.

These interactive coaching classes will focus on creating and enjoying seasonal local economical meals every day, including exploring the produce department and beyond, new and featured local foods, farmer-partner profiles, simple prep ideas and recipes, menu planning, storing and preserving tips. These classes are for YOU and will respond to what you need and ask for related to fresh local eating.

We’ve just passed the midway point of summer, which means there’s still plenty of time to have fun!

To wrap up all our healthy 5-2-1-0 activities and our 4th week encouraging kids to have zero sugary drinks…we have one big event planned!

Valley Natural Foods is proud to be a part of  the Stonyfield Farms Organic Family Love Fest Tour, which will be stopping by the store tomorrow,  Thursday, July 21st and bringing plenty of healthy fun for kids!  Come by from 3p.m. to 6p.m to take part in all kinds of activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.  Kids can try YoBaby, YoKids, Oikos and Stonyfield organic yogurt, make a flipbook about their family, hang out with Gurt—an exhibit cow that teaches kids about the organic life cycle and makes them laugh, and much more!  Parents are encouraged to see a cooking-with-Greek yogurt demo and taste the goods along with entering to win a family getaway to a Vermont  organic farm.  There’s plenty to see and plenty to do, so check out the Stonyfield Organic web site and come by Valley Natural tomorrow for some healthy summer fun!

Kids, also a reminder to start your day with our Playing with Words and Playdough class at 10:00 am-11:30 am. Please sign-up at customer service.

Also, on July 27th, bring in your completed 5-2-1-0 Star Charts to receive a prize! We appreciate your participation in this program and your efforts toward a more healthy lifestyle!

Join us for an inspirational evening with Olowo-n’djo Tchala, the founder of Alaffia skin care products on Tuesday, July 26th from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Come hear the history of this womens’ cooperative, famous for the best quality Fair Trade shea butter, prepared in the traditional (low-tech) manner. Alaffia works to empower women and help alleviate poverty. Examine real shea butter, and learn how you can be part of the story. Olowo-n’djo will convince you that one person really can make a big impact in our world.

FREE samples are available to the first 30 people and an esthetician will be available for FREE skincare consultations.

Sign up at customer service, in our wellness department, or by calling 952-891-1212 ext. 221.

Week 3 (July 13 – July 19th): Get 1 hour of Exercise a Day!

This week’s FREE fruit are Mangoes! Kids- pickup your week three 5-2-1-0 materials from the Wellness Dept. including your FREE fruit coupon and brochure.

Also, don’t miss this week’s fun activity:

-FREE- Yoga4Kids, four 1/2 hour sessions
Thursday, July 14th, 2011
11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. (come at 11:00 am, 11:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m. or 12:30 p.m)
Instructor: Jenn Holm, Yoga4You

Sign up at customer service or call 952-891-1212 ext. 221. Check out the entire listing of 5-2-1-0 activities here.

Get ready for Week 4 (July 20th-July 27th): 0 sugary drinks:

It’s the last week of 5-2-1-0 and we have an extra special FREE event the afternoon of July 21st: Stonyfield Farms’ Organic Family Love Fest Tour comes to Valley Natural Foods!

First, get your kids started in the morning with our free Playing with Words and Playdough class from 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Sign-up at customer service.

Then, get ready as the Stonyfield Organic Family Love Fest Tour takes over our outdoor space! It’s interactive, outdoor fun that’s all about healthy food, healthy people and a healthy planet. Learn about all the vitamins and nutrition drinking milk provides.

Enjoy these fun activities at the Stonyfield Tent near the Valley Natural Foods Co-op Community Gardens:

• Eat lots of YoB­aby, YoKids, Oikos and Stony­field organic yogurt;
• Garden at our organic seed-planting table;
• Watch a local chef pre­pare sim­ple and deli­cious dishes fea­tur­ing Greek yogurt;
• Interact with Gurt—our exhibit cow that teaches kids about the organic life­cy­cle and makes them laugh;
• Learn about organic farm­ing and nutr­ition;
• Make a mini motion pic­ture flip­book fea­tur­ing you and your fam­ily as the stars; and
• Enter to win a fam­ily get­away to a Vermont organic farm. And more!

5-2-1-0 Demo of the Week: Kale Chips and Sweet Potato Fries!
Monday, July 25
3:00-6:00 p.m.
To help celebrate 5-2-1-0′s completion, join us for some healthy snacking at our demo kiosk!

Tips from Valley Natural Foods RN, Eileen Johnson, on how to drink 0 sugary drinks a day:

• Challenge your family members to consume 0 sugary drinks. Sugary drinks and juice account for a significant percentage of the rise in obesity in our children.
• Show your kids how much sugar is in an 8 oz can of pop. (8 teaspoons) It can be an eye-opener to your whole family!
• Keep purified water cold in the refrigerator and encourage frequent consumption when kids are involved in sports. Make your own sun tea by placing 4 fruity tea bags in a gallon of water; set in the sun.
• Click  for more 5210 Healthy Living Tips on  how to drink 0 sugary drinks a day

You’ve heard that Alaffia’s Founder, Olowo-n’djo Tchala is coming to Valley Natural Foods (Tuesday, July 26th, 6:30-8:30 p.m.) to talk about fair trade shea butter and its many benefits…but you probably haven’t heard that he is also bringing lots of free gifts and a licensed esthetician!

That’s right, this will really be a fun event. Not only will you hear Tchala’s heartfelt story of how his company came to fruition and how their shea butter cooperative empowers women, the first 30 people in the door will also receive FREE GIFTS! A licensed esthetician will be on hand to provide free consultations and useful advice on what Alaffia products would work best for your skin type. Be sure to read last week’s blog for more information on Tchala and Alaffia.

If you are interested,  sign-up now to ensure we have enough seating available. You can do so by calling 952-891-1212 ext 221 or by stopping by customer service or our wellness department. Also-tell  your friends and relatives about this great opportunity!

What’s neat about Alaffia? Alaffia (named for a local greeting) is an example of a small company working not only to establish a brand identity on the basis of fair trade, community empowerment, and sustainable resources, but also upon the potential of African workers –helping them benefit from the rich resources of their own continent and shape their future for the better.