For the lactose-tolerant For the lactose-tolerant (July 09, 2004)

Dairy Day deemed a success

By David Herbert

Israel may be the land of milk and honey, but June 30, it was the Community Services Agency (CSA) that was overflowing with dairy products.

During the first of a series of monthly nutrition education programs, volunteers at the CSA's food pantry distributed smoothies and a cottage cheese and salsa dip with celery to the agency's low-income patrons. This month, the CSA is promoting the importance of calcium in people's diets, according to Laura Schuster, nutrition director for CSA.

The monthly series grew out of concerns about the prevalence of obesity and diabetes among low-income residents, added CSA Associate Director Maureen Wadiak.

"Diet and exercise are within their control," she said.

The agency, which usually does not have the money to purchase dairy products, received a $15,000 grant from The Health Trust and a $5,000 grant from the Mountain View Kiwanis Club to make the program possible.

Many clients cautiously tasted the cottage cheese and salsa dip and the smoothies, and some were pleasantly surprised.

"A number of kids came back for seconds and asked what was in it," Wadiak said.

Some, however, could not be tempted to expand their palates, Schuster said.

"The Russians just like their bread and sweets."

E-mail David Herbert at dherbert@mv-voice.com

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