Meal

Food is available almost any time and anywhere today, encouraging all of us to eat more food and to eat more frequently.  Dashboard dining, eating in the car, has become common. One in every four restaurant meals is ordered from a vehicle most often - hamburgers, sandwiches, pizza and Mexican food.  Research has shown that the more often a person eats out, the more body fat he or she has. Super-sized portions, added salt and sugar, thick sauces, deep-fried preparation methods and rich desserts tempt the diner to add calories.  The following strategies are aimed at helping you make healthful choices when eating away from home.   Have it "your way. "  Look for menu descriptions that indicate the preparation method.

Healthful eating as a family can be a challenge. Many people are aware that eating together as a family is an important component in teaching their families good eating habits. Unfortunately, putting this into action can be difficult in today's world where both parents are working and children are involved in multiple activities. However, making an effort to eat together just twice a week can make a difference. This might include Thursday evening dinner and Sunday morning breakfast, or any combination of meals that work into the schedule.

Thousands of free breakfasts and lunches will be served this summer to Washington County youth as the public school system expands its summer food program to six more sites, according to a school official. Most of the schools that offer the meals are where summer school programs are being held, said Jeff Proulx, supervisor of food and nutrition services. But three schools are open sites for breakfast and lunch, meaning students do not need to be enrolled in a program at the school to receive a meal, Proulx said.

War Memorial Hospital's Center for Rehab & Wellness will offer a free program "Healthy Family Meals" at 4:30 p.m.  Monday, May 21, at 261 Berkmore Place, Suite 2A, Berkeley Springs. Sara Kuykendall, a registered and licensed dietitian with Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Services, will discuss ideas for planning, making and enjoying healthful food with family at mealtime.  The class is open to the public, but registration is required by today. For more information or to register, call 304-258-8377.

Meal prices in Washington County Public Schools will rise by 5 cents next school year - the second straight year of increases - but still will be among the state's lowest, according to a school system official. The Washington County Board of Education on Tuesday approved a $10.35 million Food and Nutrition Services budget for fiscal 2013. The budget includes the increase in meal prices. With the increase, lunch will cost $1.95 for elementary school students, $2.20 for secondary school students and $3.35 for staff members.

It's not supposed to happen in the United States of America. Not in a country with million-dollar neighborhoods, designer wardrobes and super-sized menus. Childhood hunger exists in other places - distant lands devastated by droughts, famine and disease. But throughout Washington County, hundreds of children live in homes without enough food. They are part of families where a steady job no longer guarantees a week's worth of groceries; where financially strapped parents face choices they never imagined and the stigma attached to asking for help persists.

Penn State Extension will offer a program Thursday for families with hands-on meal preparation for parents and youngsters ages 8 and older.  The program was developed and funded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation as part of the Kids Eat Right Family Champions Campaign. The two-hour program will cover easy cooking with healthy ingredients, planning healthy meals for busy families and adopting good family health behaviors.  The workshop will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Adams County Agricultural and Natural Resources Building, 670 Old Harrisburg Road in Gettysburg, Pa. Volunteers from Penn State Extension's new Certified Food and Wellness Program will assist with instruction of the program.

The Washington County 4-H Dairy Club will hold an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast Saturday from 6:30 to 11 a.m. at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center's multipurpose building. The ag center is off Sharpsburg Pike. The menu includes pancakes and sausage. The meal costs $6 per person. Those 8 and younger will be admitted free. Proceeds will benefit the 4-H Dairy Club of Washington County. For more information, call Matt DeBaugh at 301-465-9374.  

The Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1131 Conrad Court, will offer a baby-sitter training course Thursday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to provide those ages 11 to 15 with the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care for children in the absence of parents or adult guardians. The training will help participants develop skills in leadership and professionalism, basic care, safety and safe play, and first aid. Registration is required.

"Eat this. Don't eat that. " If only it were so simple.  Eating a variety of foods is recommended for health but trying to overhaul your or your family's eating habits can be a challenge. It's never too late to start eating a greater variety of foods that contribute to good health.  Aim for gradual changes, rather than making an issue of food. Strive to plan and provide regular meals and snacks for your family. Some tips to help parents aim for healthful family meals and snacks follow:  Children have small stomachs, so they need regular meals, supplemented by snacks to help fill the gap between meals.