Lunch & Learn highlights nutrition resources for Reading residents

Jan 16

(4-5 minute read)

Residents gathered at the Pleasant Street Center on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Lunch & Learn titled Fresh, Affordable, Local: Your Guide to Better Nutrition. The presentation offered practical advice and local resources designed to help residents make healthy food choices on any budget.

The session was part of an ongoing series that provides residents, particularly seniors, with practical information, local resources, and opportunities to connect. Town staff were thanked for the presentation and their continued effort to make these accessible, informative programs.

The workshop was led by Liv Bartolomei, Reading’s Public Health Nurse, and Lea Anne Pero from the Middlesex-Essex Public Health Collaborative.

Why nutrition matters - especially for seniors

Presenters emphasized that good nutrition plays a critical role in helping seniors maintain energy, independence, and overall health. Proper nutrition can also help manage or prevent chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Additional key points included:

Bone health and muscle strength depend on adequate calcium and protein intake
Portion control is important, as American portion sizes tend to be larger than necessary

To help with portioning, presenters recommended:

Using smaller plates
Filling half the plate with fruits and vegetables
Limiting protein to about the size of one’s palm
Keeping grains to roughly the size of a fist

Shopping smart to stretch food dollars

Attendees were offered several practical tips for eating well on a budget:

Buy fruits and vegetables in season for better prices and flavor
- The USDA’s Seasonal Produce Guide was shared as a helpful planning tool
Shop at farmers’ markets and local farms for fresh, seasonal produce
Purchase pantry staples in bulk, such as brown rice, oats, beans, and frozen vegetables, to reduce the cost per meal
Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh and are often picked at peak ripeness
Use store flyers, loyalty programs, and coupons
Store food safely to reduce waste, and consider batch-cooking and freezing smaller portions for later use

Nutrition assistance & local resources

Presenters also reviewed several programs available to Reading residents:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - monthly grocery funds on an EBT card
HIP (Healthy Incentives Program) - earn $1 back for every $1 spent on fruits and vegetables at participating farms and markets, up to $80 per month
WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) - nutrition support for families with young children

Local food access options highlighted included:

Calareso’s Farm Stand (accepts SNAP and HIP)
Apna Bazar Farmers Market in Woburn (open year-round)
Wakefield Farmers Market (June - October)
Wilmington Farmers Market (June - October)

Learning through play: “The Price Is Right”

To reinforce the material, participants took part in a lively game of The Price Is Right, working in table teams to guess the cost of individual grocery items and full meal plans.

Winning teams by round included:

Grains: Team Turnips
Fresh & Frozen Produce: Team Foodies
Protein: Team Munchies
Building a Full Meal: Team Exceptionals

The activity helped demonstrate how thoughtful choices can add up to affordable, balanced meals.

Key Takeaways

Presenters closed with several important reminders:

Eating healthy is possible on any budget
Local and federal resources can help stretch food dollars
Residents are not alone - support is available here in Reading

Town staff were thanked for continuing to host Lunch & Learn sessions that combine education, community connection, and practical support for residents navigating everyday challenges.