NUTRITION
True to Their Roots A new option at Target Field brings nutritious food to the ballpark, and creates economic opportunities for urban kids. By Julie Kendrick Summer Berry Slugger, Couscous-a-Licious and Super Soba Citrus may not sound like the names of typical stadium fare. But it’s a whole new ballgame now at Target Field, thanks to Roots for the Home Team, a local program that partners with urban gardening ventures, and its fresh and flavorful salads. The salads can be found at the new Garden Goodies cart, which is staffed by kids from ethnically diverse and economically challenged communities served by the Youth Farm and Market Project, Emerge Community Development and Eastside Garden Corps: Community Design Center of Minnesota. Ingredients are sourced from local community gardens—where some of the same kids work—and so far the salads have been an instant hit, often selling out in early innings. “To my knowledge, there is no other ballpark doing something that combines kids, community gardens and fresh salads,” says the project’s founder and registered dietician Susan Moores, who was aided by local food advocate Megan O’Hara. They’re already hearing lots of praise from health-conscious fans. “People are excited that there are these salad options at the ballpark,” Moores says. Receiving sponsorships from companies including the Twins Community Fund, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation of Minnesota, Land O’ Lakes and Just BARE Chicken, the endeavor has been a hit with the young gardeners, too.
Garden fresh at the ballpark.
“The kids were very much a part of the creation and naming of the salads, and they helped with taste-testing, too,” says Linda Bryant, employment program director for Emerge. “It not only allowed them to be creative, but also encouraged them to eat the foods they grew in the garden.”
There’s still time to benefit from an Oishii Asian Chopped Salad, Silas’ Fiesta Salad or any of the other Garden Goodies choices this season. You’ll find the cart by Gate 34 during remaining Twins’ Sunday home games (Aug. 12, and Sept. 9, 16 and 30).
“We think it’s so important for kids to know where their food is coming from, and how to take better care of themselves,” adds Julie Berling, brand advocacy and marketing director
“Look for the big orange carrot on top,” Moores says, “and lots of happy people.” +
for Just BARE Chicken. “When that happens, we all benefit.”
rootsforthehometeam.org
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6/21/12 5:00 PM