22 February 2010 | Press Release

The Month of March is designated as Nutrition Month with the theme, Nutrition on a Budget. As part of a goal to encourage families to eat more meals at home, the Department of Health and the Bermuda Dietitians Association are also challenging the community to get cooking and to submit their favorite recipes for feeding a family of four on a budget of only $15.

A Department of Health spokesman said Nutrition on a Budget will focus on encouraging families to eat well and economically. The goal is to see families reduce their food costs, choose healthier options and to eat portions that are appropriate for their age, gender and activity level.

The spokesman added that throughout Bermudas’ history, Bermudians have risen to the occasion with resilience and creativity whenever they have been faced with economic hardship. And, according to the 2004 Department of Statistics Household Expenditure Survey, the average Bermudian spent approximately 14 percent of their weekly income on food. This means that Bermudians spent more money eating out and on convenience foods such as snacks, frozen meals, tinned goods and packaged foods than they would have if they had prepared nutritious meals at home.

In preparing a meal for a family of four on a $15 budget, the Department of Health invites the community to be creative and to submit their original recipe, or modifications of an original recipe. Recipes should also incorporate at least four of the five good groups. Entry forms should include a photograph of the meal. Deadline for entries is 19 March 2010.

More details, including criteria, guidelines and obtaining an entry form are available from cahollis@gov.bm or mlbfurbert@gov.bm ; Tel: 278-6467 / 278-6469 or via: www.health.gov.bm