Nutrition Connections - UNH Extension

04/07/2026

This year’s (603) Challenge is officially underway.

Any gift you make will be matched by generous underwriters, up to $200 per donor until $200,000 in matching funds is exhausted.
Support the Extension programs that matter most to you before ends on April 10th. 💙

https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofNewHampshire/the-603-challenge-2026/pages/unh-extension

03/25/2026

📣 NH Residents: Share Your Input on Food Habits

The University of New Hampshire’s Bigornia Research Lab is looking for adults in NH to join a research study about dairy and seafood habits.

Help researchers understand what influences food choices in our communities.

👉 Includes a brief screening, questionnaire, and online group discussion

👉 You may qualify if you:
• Are 18+ and live in NH
• Have internet access
• Do not have fish or dairy allergies

Dairy and seafood do not need to be a regular part of your diet to participate.

Participants who complete the study will receive a small thank-you.

📲 Learn more: https://sites.usnh.edu/bigorniaresearchlab/

03/23/2026

this is one of those meals you make when you don’t have the time or energy to cook

just add mini potatoes, green beans, and turkey kielbasa to your slow cooker and let it do the work 🙌

✔️ budget-friendly
✔️ minimal prep
✔️ one pot = less cleanup

perfect for busy days, long work shifts, or when you just need something easy that still tastes good

save this for later or try it this week!

03/21/2026

picky eating is very normal, especially for kids

it can take 10–15+ exposures to a new food before a child accepts it, so one “no” doesn’t mean they’ll never like it

instead of making a separate meal, try this:
✔️ keep offering the food again (no pressure)
✔️ include at least one “safe” food you know they’ll eat
✔️ let them decide if and how much they eat

this helps kids feel more comfortable with new foods over time and builds healthy eating habits

03/18/2026

meet the people behind Nutrition Connections 🍎

we’re the ones who help make healthy eating easier, more affordable, and actually doable, no matter your budget or schedule.

from simple recipes to real-life tips, this is what we do every day (just a little more grown up now 😉)

03/16/2026

Made a big pot of chili? 🥘

Leftovers don’t have to mean eating the same meal all week. A few simple changes can turn chili into completely different meals.

Swipe for 5 easy ways to use leftover chili and stretch your food a little further.

❗️Save this for the next time chili is on the menu!

03/13/2026

🍎🥦🫐 March is National Nutrition Month & a great time to focus on small steps that support healthy eating.

Healthy habits don’t have to be complicated or expensive. Simple changes like adding a fruit or vegetable, choosing whole grains, or cooking at home more often can make a big difference over time.

Swipe through for a few ideas to try this month.

What’s one small nutrition habit you’re working on right now?

03/09/2026

🥞🍳 Last week was School Breakfast Week! Across New Hampshire, students enjoyed fun, nutritious breakfasts that start the day off right.

At Lempster Community School, students got to try homemade hollandaise sauce with eggs, pancakes, potatoes, and fresh fruit. Thanks to Superintendent Jim Lewis and Hunger Solutions for supporting this special week.

Over in Hudson, Dr. H. O. Smith Elementary celebrated with events at several schools, thanks to Food Service Director Karen Atheron, giving students healthy breakfasts and lots of smiles.

Our program is proud to support schools in making sure students have access to a healthy, balanced breakfasts because starting the day well nourished helps kids learn, grow, and thrive! 🌟

03/09/2026

If you’ve ever chopped, blended, or mixed vegetables into a meal so they go undetected, you’re definitely not alone.

Mixing vegetables into foods kids already enjoy can be a simple way to add nutrients to your child’s meals.

Some easy ways to try it:
🥕 Blend carrots or zucchini into tomato sauce
🥬 Add spinach
🧀 Mix mashed cauliflower into mac and cheese

While sneaking veggies in can help boost nutrition, it’s also important to keep offering vegetables in their whole forms too. Seeing and trying foods multiple times helps kids become more familiar with them. Research shows that repeated exposure can help children learn to accept new foods, even if they don’t like them at first.

Small steps can make a big difference when it comes to building healthy habits.


PickyEaterTips HealthyEating

03/06/2026

Looking for a simple way to start moving more?

Our Walk With Ease program can help.

This free six-week program is designed for adults who want to increase their physical activity safely and build confidence with movement.

Participants receive:
✔ A free guidebook
✔ Weekly lesson videos
✔ Encouragement and support
✔ Helpful tips for walking safely and comfortably

Research shows Walk With Ease can help:
• Reduce arthritis pain
• Improve strength and balance
• Increase confidence in being physically active

📅 Starts March 12
🕐 Thursdays | 12:30–1:30 PM
💻 Virtual via Zoom
💲 Free

Learn more and register here:

Whether you need relief from arthritis pain or just want to be active, the Arthritis Foundation’s six week self-directed Walk With Ease program can help you safely make physical activity a part of your everyday life!

02/27/2026

It’s - a great reminder that little changes can make a big difference for our kids & our own health ❤️

One little swap can make a big difference — like choosing whole grains, adding beans, picking fruit for snacks, cooking with olive oil, or using yogurt instead of full-fat dairy.

You don’t have to change everything at once. Pick one, try it this week, and see how it goes!

What swap will you try first? Drop it in the comments 👇

11/13/2025

With the cost of groceries and everything going on with SNAP right now, it's understandable if grocery shopping feels stressful right now.😔 You’re not alone.

If you’re trying to stretch your budget and still offer healthy, filling meals for your family, MyPlate Kitchen is a free tool that can help. It’s full of easy, affordable recipes made with everyday ingredients, many of which use items you probably already have at home. 🍎🥫

You can even filter recipes by:
✅ What equipment you have (like stovetop, slow cooker, or microwave)
✅ Food groups you want to include (like veggies or whole grains)
✅ Time, cost, or ingredients you already have

It’s a great way to get new meal ideas that work for your family, and your budget. 💛

👉 Explore recipes here: https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen