Better Living for Texans Montgomery County

Happy Sunday everyone

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Looking forward to partnering🙌 again this week with @mariabanosjordan and Texas Familias Council and 🙌 @montgomerycountyfoodbank at our mobile market 🚗 in East County this week.

Our 🥩 regular 🥦food 🥔 pantry🥚 is also 🥕open Monday 🥒 to Thursday🥗 this 🥫 week. 🍞

#offensivelygenerous #inthecommunity #foodpantries #partners #feednourishtransform

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Date Cookies Recipe

Rainy days are perfect days for baking (especially with kids!).
Here’s a delicious, nutrient dense chocolate chip oatmeal version- however, dates may not be in everyone’s pantry.
Substitute with a cup of raisins, dried cranberries, dry apricot, or dry cherry- any dry fruit will do.
Kids can help measure, mix, pour and scoop... and, of course, taste test!

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/recipes/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-date-cookies-recipe

eatright.org This simple cookie recipe is made with ingredients you might already have in your pantry. And, with no raw eggs, you can even lick the bowl!

Chicken Caprese Spaghetti Squash | Dinner Tonight

Want to test out your spaghetti squash skills? What not make this tasty dish.

https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/chicken-caprese-spaghetti-squash/

dinnertonight.tamu.edu All week we’ve been talking about Spaghetti Squash. Trade in your pasta for a fun take on noodle night! This Spaghetti Squash Chicken Caprese Recipe is super delicious! Related Posts Spicy Spaghetti with Grilled ChickenSpicy Spaghetti with Grilled Chicken has a spin on your normal spaghetti recipe...

Spaghetti Squash | Dinner Tonight

What's on the shelf this week? Spaghetti Squash!

These large winter squash are finding their place on the plate as plant based pasta. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, spaghetti squash pairs well with almost any pasta sauce or dish.

When choosing a squash look for: a spaghetti squash with a firm, dry rind free of soft spots and cracks. Squash should be heavy for its size with a firm, dry, rounded stem, which helps keep out bacteria. Avoid: spaghetti squash that has cracks and soft spots.

For a quick how-to video for preparing spaghetti squash visit:

https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/spaghetti-squash/

dinnertonight.tamu.edu Spaghetti Squash can be super intimidating to try and work with, but its so yummy and good for you! See our tips, tricks and safety information below so you can incorporate this veggie into your diet. Intimidated by how difficult a spaghetti squash can be to cut into? Use your microwave! Microwave y...

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Montgomery County Food Bank Mobile Market

DATE: TUESDAY, MAY 12

ADDRESS: LONE STAR COWBOY CHURCH
21627 EVA ST. MONTGOMERY, TX 77356

TIME: 10AM SERVING: 300 FAMILIES

Visit mcfoodbank.org to find a food pantry near you or additional mobile markets throughout the month of May

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CAC continues to serve our community during this uniquely difficult time. Learn how you too can serve our neighbors in need by visiting www.cac-mctx.org ! #CACCares #CommunityInAction

Local Non-Profit and Business Band Together to Host a Mobile Market Food Distribution

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woodlandsonline.com CAC and Milstead Automotive to provide drive-thru food distribution to families affected by COVID-19

Loca resource share...

Montgomery County Food Bank Mobile Markets will provide pre-packaged bags of groceries this week to residents in need, while supplies last.

Can't attend a mobile market? Find a food panty open in Montgomery County at https://mcfoodbank.org/find-a-food-pantry-partner-agencies-conroe-tx/

Every $1 donated to MCFB provides 5 meals! Donate today at www.mcfoodbank.org

#MontgomeryCounty #Conroe #TheWoodlands #Montgomery #NewCaney #COVID19 #FightHunger #FeedHope

Local Covid testing information:

Free testing this week, sponsored by @krogerco. To register, go to krogerhealth.com/covidtesting. #coronavirus

Local resource...

CAC is here for our community as we continue to provide services to Montgomery County residents in need. #CACCares #CommunityInAction

Budget-Friendly Tips to Feed Your Family

Being intentional about saving money on food means being organized and going in with a plan. Plan your meals for the week, make a list and stick to it to minimize impulse buying. Unit price is a sometimes overlooked savings strategy. Buying a larger size of the food you want because it has a lower unit price helps save money in the long run. For instance, a large container of yogurt that you have to dish out is usually cheaper per ounce than purchasing individual cups of yogurt. Just make sure you can eat all of the food before it starts to go bad.

For more about eating healthy on a budget visit:

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/eat-right-on-a-budget/budget-friendly-tips-to-feed-your-family

eatright.org When you're in charge of family meals, a trip to the grocery store may seem like a daunting task as you navigate the dizzying array of options while trying to stay within the food budget, but, with the right strategies, it's possible!

Local resource..

Montgomery County Food Bank Mobile Markets for
May 6, 2020 - May 9, 2020.

Please visit mcfoodbank.org to find a food pantry near you as well as a complete list of future mobile markets.

I hope you’re having a blessed Saturday morning and enjoying the beautiful weather!
Ever wonder what @bltmontgomery does when she’s not teaching? Mostly gardening and tending the chickens with the help of her loving dogs.
How are you spending your free time today?

#alittleaboutme #bltmontgomery #saturdaymorning #weekendthings #getoutside #gardening

Local resource

Our next Community Hope Drive Thru Food Distribution is now open for registration!

Tuesday, May 12th, from 9-10:30 a.m. in front of Angelic Resale.
REGISTER at: https://media542002.typeform.com/to/M1YHVc
*Sign up by 7:00 a.m. on May 12th! Please share!

#fooddistribution #Conroe #covid19 #CommunityHope#MontgomeryCounty #foodbank

dinnertonight.tamu.edu

Have a few bananas going brown on the counter? I do. My whole family knows that could only mean one thing- banana bread!

When my kids were small we would place all the ingredients into a resealing bag and let them squish and mix it that way. As they grew, banana bread remained a fun and familiar recipe we could all make together.

This version is lower in sugar and oil than the recipe my grandmother used, but still has the delicious and familiar flavors. We often add in pecans (4H pecans, of course) or a few mini chocolate chips just to mix things up.

https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/wp-content/plugins/wp-ultimate-recipe-premium/core/templates/print.php

dinnertonight.tamu.edu

How TV Can Influence What Your Child Eats

Did you know? Each day while watching TV, children typically see between 10 and 13 advertisements that promote some type of food or beverage. And, more than ninety percent of these advertisements have been shown to be high in ingredients that are recommended for children to limit.

Kids learn so much simply by observing others. As a parent, choosing healthier foods and beverages, while limiting the use of electronic devices may help to reinforce the habits you are trying to encourage in your children.

https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/eating-as-a-family/does-tv-influence-what-your-child-eats

eatright.org TV time can take a toll on your child’s nutrition because many kids are easily swayed to choose the foods they see advertised on television.

foodhero.org

What's on the shelf this week? Beets!

They are low in calories, yet high in valuable vitamins and minerals. In fact, they contain a bit of almost all the vitamins and minerals that you need. Beets contain a high concentration of nitrates, which have a blood pressure-lowering effect. This may lead to a reduced risk of heart attacks, heart failure and stroke.

Find them in the produce section as fresh, whole beets with tops or as whole, peeled and cooked. They are also available in the canned vegetable section.

ttp://foodhero.org/sites/default/files/monthly-magazines/beets_2020_monthly.pdf

foodhero.org

Local resource share...

We will be at MIMS Baptist Church tomorrow at 1609 Porter Rd. with groceries for 300 families - entrance on Argo Road.

Legacy Center’s beautiful vegetable garden 🍅 🥬 🍊

Legacy's Garden...beginning to produce :)

Montgomery County will have a mobile COVID-19 Testing Site May 10, 2020 from 9AM-6PM. Tests will be conducted by appointment only at 9333 Airport Rd. Conroe, TX 77303. To register for an appointment visit www.txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400. See informational flyer below.

Montgomery County will have a mobile COVID-19 Testing Site May 10, 2020 from 9AM-6PM. Tests will be conducted by appointment only at 9333 Airport Rd. Conroe, TX 77303. To register for an appointment visit www.txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400. See informational flyer below.

Have chicken in your freezer? Here’s a quick meal plan to help us get through the week.

Grab these items on your next grocery trip to follow along with recipes we'll be posting throughout the week. The featured ingredients this week are chicken and turkey! #recipe #poultry

Fridays mark the end of a long week; in our family, Fridays had a routine all there own.
After school, the kids and I cleaned backpacks and lunch boxes before a 'all hands on deck' housecleaning. There was music and madness as we made quick work of our tasks; we knew good things were coming!
Friday evenings we gathered around the kitchen to prepare 'fun foods' such as hearty nachos, personal pizzas, or Tostadas! These foods were eaten picnic style while we watched movies and unwound the stress from our schedule.

Tostadas Delgadas
8 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 cups fat-free refried beans
1 cup grated reduced fat cheddar cheese
Heat oven to 350*F; toast tortillas for 10 minutes. Place each tortilla on a plate and assemble your Tostada!
Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours.

Does your family have a Friday tradition?

Important information...

On May 1st, the first phase of opening Texas begins. Businesses, employees and customers all need to work together and take safety steps to protect each other.

Your first safety step is to read Office of the Governor Greg Abbott's Report to Open Texas: http://ow.ly/OW0V50zto3j

Please read and follow the Open Texas Safety Checklists:
All employers: http://ow.ly/R2Nk50ztpLI
Individuals: http://ow.ly/Qf4m50ztsRO
Retailers: http://ow.ly/5PHT50ztooM
Retail-to-go: http://ow.ly/949T50ztosd
Retail customers: http://ow.ly/B7aa50ztoqp
Restaurants: http://ow.ly/IZdx50ztoC2
Restaurant customers: http://ow.ly/CoUm50ztoFH
Movie theaters: http://ow.ly/GLj450ztoSV
Movie theater customers: http://ow.ly/Yn3n50ztoUZ
Museums and libraries: http://ow.ly/SLIj50ztpiU
Museum and library visitors: http://ow.ly/cfHH50ztpl3
Churches and places of worship: http://ow.ly/jlMe50ztpId
Single person offices: http://ow.ly/Bn8z50ztpKO
Outdoor sports participants: http://ow.ly/FRoi50ztptA
All checklists: http://ow.ly/Wmif50ztpNn

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Recipe

Our all time favorite breakfast- baked oatmeal. The apple and cinnamon makes it even better.
This make ahead pantry meal is hearty, stores and reheats well, and is kid friendly.
Kids can assist with measuring, mixing, and pouring; older children may assist with cutting fruit.
Definitely a good recipe to have!

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/recipes/apple-cinnamon-baked-oatmeal-recipe

eatright.org This perfect make-ahead breakfast is great on its own or served like cereal. My favorite way to enjoy baked oatmeal is topped with a splash of cold milk, a sprinkle of brown sugar and fresh berries.

What's on the shelf? Oil!

When stocking a pantry, oil can be an important item to have on hand, and a necessary source of some nutrients.

Oils can go bad especially when exposed to heat. Safely store oils in a cool, dry place for 6-12 months.

Oils, and foods naturally containing oil are high in calories. Consume in moderation!

Family Dinners in a Flash

The past several weeks have found many of us at our homes and with our families more than usual. This means more meal prep and more opportunities for family mealtime.

Making mealtime a family affair can spark interest in new foods and build new skills. Engaging the whole family in preparation may also encourage communication and positive interactions; even positive food exposures.

These meals don't have to be elaborate or time consuming. Instead consider quick options with few ingredients to get things going and keep it simple.

Consider:

Include at least one selection from each of the five food groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and protein foods.

Limit foods that are fried or highly refined.

Incorporate high-fiber foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals, vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds.

For more tips visit:

https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/eating-as-a-family/family-dinners-in-a-flash

eatright.org Make time to eat with your family using the following tips from registered dietitian nutritionists — the food and nutrition experts.

Testing site updates.

Today, the Texas Military Department will begin conducting roving COVID testing sites in our area. The mobile testing teams are designed to focus on both rural areas that have not had access to testing and areas where an active outbreak requires additional testing capacity. This effort is a partnership among TDEM, DSHS, Texas Military Department, and the Emergency Medical Task Force.

The locations listed in the attachment will be open for testing by appointment only. Individuals who are interested in testing may make an appointment through: https://txcovidtest.org/ or 512-883-2400.

Overview of today’s announcement..

Governor Greg Abbott announced today a multi-phase plan to reopen the state. His stay at home order will expire Thursday, April 30. His order supersedes all local orders.

A brief overview:

Phase 1- All retail stores, restaurants, malls, and movies theaters can reopen May 1. Gov. Abbott says all museums and libraries can open on May 1 as well. The state will work to reopen its libraries on May 1 or soon after. All of the aforementioned establishments must limit occupancy to no more than 25 percent. Places of worship can also expand their capacity on May 1. Doctors, nurses, dentists and medical professionals can get back to work with fewer restrictions. Licensed hospitals must reserve 15% capacity for COVID patients.

Phase 2- (around May 18) Occupancy of the establishments mentioned in Phase 1 can increase occupancy to 50 percent. Outdoor sports are allowed as long as there are only 4 or fewer participants and social distancing is being practiced.

Bars, hair salons and gyms will remain closed. Governor Abbot plans to reopen these establishments mid-late May and is working with his team to make sure these facilities are safe once reopened.

See the attached graphic for Gov. Abbott’s plan to ramp up contact tracing over the coming weeks.

See the Governor's report to Open Texas here: https://www.kxan.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/40/2020/04/OpenTexas-Report.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1GwrPSzeTb-HkWx1lTDOvBTMgDx2sWkvraDDRqiXNgcSQQxZmxFDIuhfY

CDC

Wearing a cloth face covering CORRECTLY can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others. When you go out on essential trips, follow these “do’s”.

If you have a child, remember those under age 2 should not wear a face covering. See: https://bit.ly/2R9av5m

Comforts of Home, LLC- Conroe, Tx

From our partners at Meals on Wheels Montgomery County:

They need assistance with shelf stable foods, liquid meals, and pet food.

See more at mowmc.org/stock-the-shelves

Regarding retail openings

As of April 24th, per Office of the Governor Greg Abbott's executive order, retail businesses can reopen for retail-to-go, delivery, or mail. Customers may not enter these retail businesses.

#OpenSafeTexas, businesses and customers need to follow these safety steps. Full guidance here dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus

This guidance does not apply to essential businesses. You can find guidance for essential businesses here: dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/business.aspx

Important testing information..

Covid-19 testing available in Montgomery County (Shenandoah) on Monday, April 27, 9am-6pm. By appointment only. See flyer for more information.

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Find yourself making biscuits and muffins, but have run out of your favorite quick mix? Making your own quick master mix is easy and budget friendly. I keep this on hand to speed up my weekend breakfast or snack baking; use it when baking in place of purchased quick master mix (suck as Bisquick).