Nutrition Resources | Understanding Food Insecurity in HVHD Towns | HVHD News and Updates | HVHD Events | Recipe
Celebrate National Nutrition Month in March by taking time to focus on making informed food choices, developing good eating habits, and building a healthier lifestyle. Nutrition plays an important role in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which impact many Connecticut residents. According to state health data, rates of these diet-related conditions continue to rise, emphasizing the importance of balanced meals, physical activity, and access to healthy foods.
Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity is associated with many negative social and health outcomes and is considered a critical public health issue. Key drivers of food insecurity include unemployment, poverty, and income shocks, which can prevent access to food. Interventions that have been shown to reduce food insecurity, include participation in food assistance programs and broader societal-level improvements in economic stability (Feeding America, USDA). In Connecticut, food insecurity has been a growing concern. Recent data from 2022 indicates that approximately 468,150 residents, or 1 in 8 people, are facing hunger, including 112,600 children (Feeding America, 2022)..
Nutrition Resources
Looking for ways to eat healthier? Check out these resources:
MyPlate (USDA) – Learn about balanced meals: www.myplate.gov
SNAP – CT – SNAP resources in CT: www.fns.usda.gov/snap-directory-entry/connecticut
American Heart Association Nutrition Tips – www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating
Understanding Food Insecurity in HVHD Communities
Food insecurity is a growing concern, affecting individuals and families who struggle to access sufficient, nutritious food. According to the CDC PLACES 2024 release, food insecurity—defined as having limited or uncertain access to adequate food within the past 12 months—impacts thousands of adults across the Housatonic Valley Health District (HVHD).
Food Insecurity Rates Among Adults in HVHD Municipalities:
- New Milford: 10.4%
- Oxford: 6.8%
- Sharon: 6.5%
- Southbury: 7.4%
- Washington: 8.4%
- Woodbury: 6.5%
Click here to explore HVHD’s Community Profile Dashboard
HVHD News and Updates
HVHD Launches Public, Searchable Street File System
Housatonic Valley Health District (HVHD) is excited to announce the launch of a public, searchable street file system. This system will make it easier for residents to access important property records by town. We are still in the process of uploading files, so if you do not see your street file in the public archive, please email eht@hvhdct.gov to request your file or stop by our office. Stay tuned as we continue expanding access to essential public health records!
Public Health Updates
Avian influenza (bird flu) continues to be a public health concern, particularly for those who work with or handle birds. While the risk to the general public remains low, HVHD encourages residents to stay informed and take precautions. Learn more about symptoms, prevention, and what to do if you encounter a sick or dead bird by visiting our Avian Influenza Fact Sheet.
Stay Involved with HVHD Programs
HVHD is here to support your health and well-being year-round. Don’t miss these programs and services:
March is nutrition and sleep awareness month. Join HVHD public health nurses and our community partners to discuss sleep and diet habits to improve your overall health. See flyers below for all presentations.
- Save The Date for our upcoming Narcan and QPR virtual class on March 10th
- Date: March 10, 2025
- Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Location: Virtual
- Learn more
- Join Nutritionist, Rebecca Giannini, for Diet Recommendations for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship
- Date: March 12, 2025
- Time: 9:30 am – 10:30 am
- Location: New Milford Senior Center
- Learn more
- Chat with Nuvance’s Gastroenterologist, Dr Steven Gorelick, to learn about the most common digestive issues affecting older adults
- Date: March 13, 2025
- Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Location: Southbury Senior Center
- Learn more
- Check out our Chat about Improving Nutrition and Sleep Quality
- Date: March 20, 2025
- Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
- Location: Oxford Senior Center
- Learn more
- Check out our Chat about Improving Nutrition and Sleep Quality
- Date: March 21, 2025
- Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
- Location: Woodbury Senior Center
- Learn more
- Be on the lookout for our April Walking Challenge!
Visit our website for more information and to register for upcoming events.
Healthy Recipe of the Month: Stuffed Peppers (AHA)
Ingredients
Servings: 4
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 3/4 lb. lean, ground turkey
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
- 14.5 oz. canned, no-salt-added, diced tomatoes
- 1 clove fresh, minced garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic minced from jar)
- 1 tsp. reduced-sodium Italian seasoning (lowest sodium available)
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (for spiciness), (optional)
- 8 oz. canned, no-salt-added tomato sauce
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook rice to package instructions (omitting salt). While the rice is cooking, in skillet over medium heat, brown the turkey. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes more (until onion becomes translucent).
- Wash the bell peppers and remove the tops, seeds and membranes. Set peppers in a 9×9 baking dish or line them up in a loaf pan, so they stand upright.
- In a medium mixing bowl, mix turkey, rice, tomato, garlic, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Spoon into each pepper. Spoon tomato sauce evenly over the top of the 4 peppers. Bake 1 hour in the oven, until peppers are tender.
Tip: 1 stuffed pepper per serving
