Nutrition Month: a new food security resource and two “nourishing” activities
As part of Nutrition Month in March, we would like to highlight the best and brightest in our community when it comes to healthy eating and food security. To begin with, we would like to draw attention to the appointment of Dana Cooper as coordinator of concerted food security projects, and to the programming of two nutrition-related activities!
A new resource for food safety
The Town of Sutton is proud to announce the appointment of Dana Cooper as coordinator of concerted food security projects. Her position, confirmed at the March 5 council meeting, was created at the Town’s initiative, thanks to funding from the fund provided in the Action plan for families and seniors and the grants from the Ministère de la Famille and the Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon. Herr mandate is to better identify community needs and support local initiatives.
A long-time resident of Sutton, Dana has been the director of the Sutton Market for the past six years and is the founder of Fraîche, a local ready-to-eat and culinary workshop business that has operated for ten years with a focus on organic and local foods. She is deeply passionate about the local food scene and is very much a part of the community.
In her new role, Dana will be responsible for coordinating existing and emerging projects, local initiatives and partnerships aimed at tackling food insecurity in our region. She is particularly excited about her mission: “Sutton is blessed with rich agricultural land, inspiring, creative and enlightened people, and the most vibrant, united and motivated community I know,” says Dana. It’s both a challenge and a great pleasure to work with the many people and projects that make our community thrive.”
The aim of this initiative is to ensure that all residents of Sutton and Abercorn—whether children, families, singles or seniors, Francophones or Anglophones—have constant access to healthy, sufficient and affordable food all year round.
The Town is delighted to have entrusted this mandate to Dana Cooper, whose dynamism, passion and leadership will enable her to take on this important work, with a clear desire to make a significant impact on the well-being of our community.
A fascinating conference on the human microbiome on March 20
We’re delighted to announce that local nutritionist Marilyn Dugrenier will be hosting a captivating lecture on the human microbiome, entitled “Nourish to Flourish”, on Thursday, March 20 at 5 p.m., in the Town Hall Council Chamber.
The microbiome refers to an individual’s microbiota, i.e. all the microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and their genes, that live naturally on and inside our bodies. The importance of the intestinal microbiota will be discussed, including how it impacts mental health. Tips for optimizing its functioning will be shared.
Marilyn Dugrenier is a nutritionist and dietician. She believes that each individual is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to diet. She emphasizes the importance of food autonomy in regaining control of one’s life, and believes that healthy eating begins with a balanced relationship with one’s body, food and emotional needs.
Practical info – conference
When: Thursday, March 20 at 5 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Council Room – 11 Principale Sud St.
Free, interactive, bilingual conference
Parents! Free childcare service available by reservation at [email protected]
A collective kitchen for preparing healthy, nutritious meals
To celebrate Nutrition Month, Dana Cooper will be hosting a collective cooking workshop for parents of young children on Tuesday, March 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., in the kitchen of the Royal Canadian Legion in Sutton. Together, participants will prepare 2-3 different dishes, which they can then take home to feed their families.
Recipes and ingredients (organic and local!) will be provided free of charge. Participants need only bring an apron, jars or containers, and a bag to carry their dishes. Important: please let us know of any dietary restrictions, so that we can accommodate the recipes as best we can.
Practical information – collective kitchen
When: Tuesday, March 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Sutton Royal Canadian Legion – 2 Curley Street
Free activity
Maximum of 6 participants
Registration required by March 23 by e-mail to [email protected]
Free childcare available upon reservation at [email protected]