Sign up today for a virtual Dining with Diabetes program. You will learn how to incorporate good, healthy cooking techniques and other practices to help control your blood sugar through our cooking school and nutrition education program designed for people with pre-diabetes or diabetes and their family members or caregivers.

Through this series of 4 interactive class sessions you will learn to manage your diabetes by making healthy lifestyle choices.

To register, visit go.osu.edu/diningwdiabetes2025

Greetings!

Ready to spice up your plate and boost your health? Exploring local foods is like embarking on a culinary treasure hunt right in your backyard! Not only do these fresh, vibrant ingredients pack a nutritional punch, but they also tell the delicious stories of our communities. From farmer’s markets bursting with color to hidden gems in neighborhood eateries, diving into local cuisine is an adventure that nourishes both body and soul. Join us as we uncover the health benefits of savoring local flavors and why your taste buds—and your well-being—will thank you for the journey!

We hope you will join us each Wednesday at 12:00 pm for a 30-minute webinar. The webinar is free, but registration is required at go.osu.edu/lhlwwebinars.

Be Well!

Kelly and Margaret

Margaret Jenkins
Extension Educator
Family and Consumer Sciences
Ohio State University Extension, Clermont County

Kelly Royalty
Extension Educator
Family and Consumer Sciences / 4-H Youth Development
Ohio State University Extension, Clermont County

Exploring Local Foods

As we explore more of the state each week, one way to tour the “Heart of it All” is through our stomachs! Local foods are one of the easiest ways to get a taste of a community. Whether you are buying from a farmers’ market or supporting a roadside stand, local foods are an essential part of the Ohio economy supporting consumers, producers, and communities across the state. From Buckeye candy and Cincinnati Chili to pawpaws and Johnny Marzetti, Ohio is known for some iconic treats and eats.

This week, as we explore Southwestern Ohio, there are great local food stops to make along the way!  Consider finding an open-air public market. In Cincinnati you can enjoy food from Ohio’s “oldest continuously operated public market,” the Findlay Market! This market prides itself in not only buying local but supporting the community around it, becoming one of Cincinnati’s points of pride. Each of the stalls provides something new for the eye from local meat and butcher shops to a family-run and operated bakery. Findlay Market is a staple of local foods in Southwestern Ohio.

Even if you do not have time to head down to Findlay Market, there are benefits to supporting your local producers. However, the definition of “local” when discussing local foods is often debated. Many agencies argue whether local foods are 150 miles, a day’s drive, or just anywhere in the state. In the 2008 Farm Bill, the USDA defines local food as food or products moved “less than 400 miles from its origin, or within the State in which it is produced.” Though the definition may not be super clear to all, the benefit of local is undeniable!

Local foods have real health and economic impacts beyond just supporting a farmer or producer close to you. Since there is less time between farm to fork, local foods provide increased nutrients, freshness, and support seasonal eating habits. They not only taste better, but also are better for the bottom line. Research shows that by removing the middleperson, transporting the supplies shorter distances, and lowering the production costs, the consumer pays less for a locally produced product. Of course, buying local also keeps your dollars closer with the hope that you are reinvesting into the communities you live, work, and play in.

How can you find locally made or produced food? Let’s explore what may tell us we have a “locally” produced food or item. You can look for the Ohio Proud sticker at your local farmers market or grocery store. This label on foods shows when a product has been made and or grown in Ohio. You can also visit the local Farmers Market and explore roadside stands. Take time to learn about what producers are growing seasonally. Seasonal eating is one of the easiest ways to ensure you are getting the freshest food. Local eating is easier when we know what’s growing down the street!

Call to Action: Go to your local farmers market or grocery store and look for the Ohio Proud label and see where it was made and or grown!

Writer: Ryan Kline, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County, kline.375@osu.edu

Reviewer: Shari Gallup, Assistant Professor and Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Licking County, gallup.1@osu.edu

Ohio State University Extension is part of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University.

Ohio State University Extension — Clermont County
1000 Locust Street, Owensville, Ohio 45160
royalty.9@osu.edu| clermont.osu.edu

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu.
For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.

Greetings!

Are you ready to embark on a journey to better health and well-being? As part of our Live Healthy, Live Well Challenge, we’re diving into one of life’s most enriching experiences: travel!

Traveling isn’t just an adventure for the soul; it’s a powerful boost for your physical and mental health. From exploring new cultures and cuisines to enjoying the great outdoors, every trip offers unique benefits that can rejuvenate your mind and body. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, let’s discover how to make travel a key part of our healthy lifestyle!

Be Well!

Kelly and Margaret

Margaret Jenkins
Extension Educator
Family and Consumer Sciences
Ohio State University Extension, Clermont County

Kelly Royalty
Extension Educator
Family and Consumer Sciences / 4-H Youth Development
Ohio State University Extension, Clermont County

Adventures in Your Ohio Backyard

Travel has an undeniable appeal, beckoning us to explore new cultures, and try new experiences. Beyond the thrill of adventure, travel offers a multitude of benefits that can enhance our lives. This week we will explore into the transformative benefits of travel while focusing on travel destinations in Northwest Ohio.

One advantage of travel is the opportunity to encounter diverse cultures and ways of life. When we experience different traditions, languages, and foods, we broaden our worldview. These experiences help us increase our empathy and understanding. This allows us to challenge personal assumptions and expand our perspectives. Opportunities for this exist in our Ohio backyards. For example, visitors of the Toledo Museum of Art can view an extensive collection of European art, participate in an event or take a class.

Traveling with loved ones strengthens bonds. Shared experiences, from conquering a hiking trail to seeing new sights can foster connection. These adventures often lead to shared stories that deepen relationships and create lifelong memories. For thrill seekers, try traveling to Sandusky Ohio to experience the fun offerings of Cedar Point Amusement Park. It’s full of adventurous rollercoasters that are sure to provide stories for years to come. For nature enthusiasts, Wildwood Preserve Metroparks in Toledo features scenic trails, picnic areas excellent for picture taking, hiking, and enjoying nature.

Travel can be a source of inspiration. New destinations stimulate our creativity by exposing us to different art forms, architecture, restaurants and lifestyles. Artists, and writers often cite travel as a key piece in their creative processes. Seeing new sites may ignite exciting new ideas and refresh our spirit. Put-in Bay on South Bass Island may be a great place to find this kind of inspiration. The bay along with Perry’s Victory and the International Peace Memorial offer stunning views. Wineries and outdoor activities such as biking and kayaking also make this a popular place to visit, along with charming local shops and streets.

Every journey we embark on offers us a chance to learn—whether it’s about history, geography, or local customs. Visiting historical sites can provide insight that just reading or hearing about simply cannot offer. Travel can be extra memorable when it becomes a hands-on experience. For an Ohio learning opportunity consider history Sauder Village in Archbold. Explore an historic village, gardens, exhibits, and visit with craftsmen. If history is one of your loves, continue on to one of Ohio’s many charming towns in the Northwest such as Waterville, Perrysburg, or Sylvania. All feature beautiful views and charming waterfront streets to explore.

The benefits of travel extend far beyond “getting away”. Travel enriches our lives, offers opportunities for personal growth, and fosters connections. Whether it’s a day trip or just a weekend getaway, the experiences we gain from our travel adventures can create lasting memories and growth. So, when you are ready to pack your bags, don’t forget about the beautiful and exciting destinations in your own Ohio backyard!

Call to Action: Look up a new adventure in your local area and plan to visit it with your loved ones.

Writer: Alisha Barton, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Miami County, barton.345@osu.edu

Reviewer: Kate Shumaker, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County, shumaker.68@osu.edu

 Ohio State University Extension is part of the College of Food, Agricultural, and
Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University.

Ohio State University Extension — Clermont County
1000 Locust Street, Owensville, Ohio 45160
royalty.9@osu.edu| clermont.osu.edu

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu.
For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.