The SUMMER SIZZLE is almost here!
Contributed by Amy Russell, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator
Summer is nearly here, and you know what that means—BBQ time!
Whether you’re hanging out in the backyard, at the park, or on the beach, it’s the perfect season to fire up the grill or campfire and enjoy tasty, healthy food!
Healthy Can Be Yummy!
Grilled food isn’t just delicious—it can be super good for you too! Veggies like corn, zucchini, and even Brussels sprouts taste amazing when they get a little crispy on the grill. Ever tried a grilled carrot with a sprinkle of cheese? You’re in for a treat!
What’s on the Grill?
Here are some fun and healthy BBQ ideas you and your family can try:
Grilled Chicken Skewers – Add colorful bell peppers and pineapple!
Veggie Burgers – Try black bean burgers with a whole wheat bun.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brush with a little olive oil and a dash of spice.
Fruit Kabobs – Grill strawberries, bananas, and peaches for a sweet treat!
Got a picky eater?
Let kids help by picking their favorite veggies and making their own kabob combos. It’s fun to build your own meal and most often promotes them to try new foods if they had a hand, it creating it!
Healthy Summer Challenge:
Try one new veggie from the grill each week. You might discover a new favorite!
Stay cool, stay safe, and keep having fun with food!
About Maine SNAP-Ed
Maine SNAP-Ed is a program designed to help eligible Maine families shop, cook, and eat healthy foods on a budget. Funded by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the program offers hands-on nutrition education through classes in schools, community centers, healthcare settings, and food pantries across the state.
Maine SNAP-Ed works toward these key goals:
Improving access to nutritious food—especially fruits and vegetables—by partnering with local producers and community programs like FarmDrop.
Helping people develop lifelong healthy eating habits, with an emphasis on simple, affordable meals that are easy to prepare.
Reducing the risk of chronic disease through nutrition education and lifestyle support.
These goals align with the federal SNAP-Ed mission to empower individuals and families to make healthier food and lifestyle choices, ultimately contributing to stronger, healthier communities.
By highlighting local ingredients and encouraging creativity in the kitchen, programs like these support both individual health and community wellbeing. Whether you’re a beginner cook or looking for fresh inspiration, SNAP-Ed is here to help you build confidence, learn new skills, and enjoy the benefits of healthy eating—one delicious bite at a time.
Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Shannon (shannon.cherry@healthyacadia.org) or Andrea (andrea.coffin@healthyacadia.org) in Washington County, or Amy (amy.russell@healthyacadia.org) or Christine (christine.dentremont@healthyacadia.org) in Hancock County.