Crunch, Munch, and Sip: What to Eat Fresh This June!
Celebrate National Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Month (All June Long!)
June is the perfect time to help your residents savor the season—fresh, local, and healthy! Whether you’ve got a thriving community garden or just a few patio plants, this month is all about connecting with nature, boosting nutrition, and having fun with food.
Got a Community Garden?
Encourage residents to head out and get their hands dirty (in a good way!) by watering, weeding, or harvesting what's growing. A little sunshine, fresh air, and garden time can be a great stress reliever too!
Make it a garden gathering: Host a “Garden Hour” once a week with music, light snacks, and a chance to chat while tending the beds.
Garden Signage: Label the plants so residents know what’s ready to pick and what still needs time.
Hosting a Salsa Showdown?
If your tomato and pepper plants are thriving, host a “Salsa Making Contest” mid-month! Invite residents to whip up their best salsa recipe—sweet, spicy, or surprise twist—and offer small prizes for:
Best Flavor
Most Creative Ingredients
Best Name (because who doesn’t want to try “Salsa Caliente del Sol”?)
Bonus: Pair the contest with chips and a fresh lemonade station for a full-on garden party!
Support Local Farmers:
If there’s a local farmers market nearby:
Share the schedule and location with residents (post in common areas or include in a newsletter).
Organize a group trip or carpool for seniors or residents who don’t drive.
Invite a vendor or nutritionist to visit your community to talk about local produce and cooking tips.
Quick Tip Sheet: What’s in Season?
Create a colorful, easy-to-read tip sheet or handout that includes:
A list of fruits & veggies in season for June (like berries, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peaches).
Simple and healthy recipe ideas (ex: cucumber salad, fruit kabobs, grilled veggie skewers, or berry yogurt parfaits).
Storage tips to keep produce fresh longer.
A section called “Try This!” that spotlights a lesser-known veggie or fruit with a recipe (think: kohlrabi slaw or grilled eggplant tacos).
Want to make it extra easy? Grab my free pdf here!
Bonus Ideas for More Engagement:
Host a “Farm to Table” potluck: Ask residents to make a dish with at least one fruit or veggie.
Fruit & Veggie Tasting Table: Set up a table with samples of seasonal produce (with allergy-friendly signage).
Juice or Smoothie Bar: Offer DIY options with fresh ingredients like spinach, pineapple, mango, and berries.
June’s bounty is a great excuse to bring people together, get them talking about healthy choices, and make the most of summer’s natural goodness.
