Are cage-free eggs more nutritious? Can coffee be considered a meal? Certain beliefs when it comes to food can be very damaging for your health.

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Megan Sedivy, a registered dietitian with Fresh Thyme Market, joined us to share meal planning strategies for families during the back-to-school season. With mornings often being hectic, Sedivy suggested a make-ahead sheet pan pancake recipe that includes ingredients like bananas, blueberries, eggs, oats, and flour. The pancakes can be prepped in advance, sliced, frozen, and reheated as needed, making for a quick and nutritious breakfast option.

For lunch, Sedivy recommended focusing on three key components: protein, produce, and peak energy foods. She advised including at least three different colors of produce in lunch boxes, such as blueberries, bananas, and apples for younger children, and bell peppers and tomatoes for older kids. Protein options can range from nut butter for small children to chicken salad for middle schoolers and tuna salad for high school students. Plant-based alternatives like quinoa and tofu were also highlighted.

Sedivy also offered suggestions for after-school snacks that are both healthy and convenient. She demonstrated an apple crunch wrap made with a spinach wrap, nut butter, apple slices, cinnamon, walnuts, and granola. For quicker options, she recommended stocking the pantry with whole grain cheese crackers, microwave popcorn, fruit and veggie pouches, and protein-rich snacks like beef and chicken sticks.

These meal ideas aim to provide balanced nutrition while ensuring that children enjoy their meals. Sedivy emphasized the importance of planning meals that are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, helping to set the stage for a successful school year.

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The 11th annual FoodCon at the Harrison Center is set for August 2 from 6-9 p.m. Created in 2010, this unconventional convention celebrates the art and culture of food in Indiana. Indiana Humanities will debut its new short film series, “Recipes For Our Community,” during the event. The films were produced by the Indiana Humanities team.

Communication Manager Anna Bowman discussed the event and the short films. The event will feature edible bugs and milkweed, the latter highlighted in one of the films where a member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma demonstrates cooking milkweed, a plant commonly found in gardens.

Bowman mentioned that four different short films, each under five minutes, will debut at FoodCon. These films cover various topics, including cooking on a car motor, a survival skill. Attendees will see films on milkweed, maple syrup, and German potato salad. For example, one film shows the Chin community in Southport making a traditional corn soup as part of their monthly gatherings.

The maple syrup film, produced in Greencastle, illustrates the process of tapping maple trees and the tradition’s legacy in Indiana. Bowman noted the importance of sharing these food stories to reflect Indiana’s diverse food culture beyond the well-known corn and tenderloins.

In addition to the films, FoodCon will feature vendors, including the Indianapolis Public Library and popular local food trucks. Some vendors, such as Black Vegan, will offer a variety of foods for attendees to enjoy.

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The Community Food Access Coalition is working to address food equity in Indianapolis.

They made recommendations to the Indianapolis Community Food Access Advisory Commission to ensure all voices in the community are heard.

Leaders say they hope to reflect the diverse voices in the community and ensure there is access to fresh healthy food.

The next step for the group is creating more discussions with local groups in Indianapolis.

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Chronic pain affects more than 20% of adults nationwide, which is higher than the rates of diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure, according to recent research. In response to the issue, IU Health is focusing on integrating nutrition into pain management strategies.

Darien Harris, an ambulatory support clinical dietician at IU Health, joined News 8 to discuss the connection between diet and chronic pain.

Harris said she sees the impact of chronic pain every day patients. She said nutrition plays a crucial role in managing pain and improving overall quality of life. Harris emphasized the importance of anti-inflammatory foods and balanced nutrition. She sharing a success story from IU Health’s nutrition program.

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The Indy Community Pantry is making a significant impact on the lives of Hoosiers, one family and one friend at a time.

Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the Indy Community Pantry provides free services to anyone in need. You do not have to be homeless to use their services.

The pantry aims to help a broad range of individuals and families, ensuring that everyone has access to essential food and resources.

For more information about the Indy Community Pantry and its services, visit Indy Community Pantry.

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Chonnie Richey, the founder of Independence Gardens, is an expert on food insecurity. She explains that many food pantries around the country are struggling to keep up with demand.

During the summer, students who rely on school meals often face hunger because those meals are not available.

This is a tough time for many families who need extra help to feed their children.

Independence Gardens is a nonprofit organization that aims to help communities and schools by providing fresh food.

They work hard to ensure that families have access to nutritious meals even when school is out.

By supporting food pantries and creating gardens, they help make sure that no child goes hungry during the summer months.

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A new pilot program aimed at improving diabetes control through medically tailored meals has shown significant promise, according to recent findings. The initiative was launched to explore the effectiveness of a “food as medicine” approach, with goals to both enhance diabetes management and establish a sustainable long-term model.

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