POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County has been selected as one of 50 communities nationwide to launch a new health program to introduce nutrient-dense micro-greens into the diets of vulnerable populations.
The county is now in the running to receive a $500,000 prize to support its local program.
County Executive Marcus Molinaro said the county will bring nutritional foods to vulnerable populations.
“We will be bringing micro-grains to senior citizens in the Dutchess County Office for the Aging Meals Program and students in the City of Poughkeepsie through an after-school program and fifth graders in the City of Poughkeepsie School District, all in an effort to measure the benefits of having access to these highly nutritious micro-grains and show that by making this kind of investment we can improve the health outcomes of seniors and young people,” Molinaro said.
County officials join nutritionists in promoting healther eating
The Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge, which is providing Dutchess with $10,000 now, is a partnership of the National Association of Counties, the Aetna Foundation and the American Public Health Association.