Welcome to the Nutritious Choices Learning Paths
If you have gotten here, you have experienced one of the interactive paths in Capital Region green spaces that promote healthy food and healthy habits! This page has been designed to provide additional materials like recipes, community resources, and upcoming events to keep you engaged after you leave. We hope you enjoyed the trail and will visit one of our other locations next time you go out!
Visit a Path
Black Lives Matter Park in Albany | 484 Livingston Ave, Albany
Henry Hudson Riverfront Park in Hudson | Ferry St, Hudson
Knickerbacker Park in Troy | 103rd St & 8th Ave, 320 7th Ave, Troy
Steinmetz Park in Schenectady | 2437 Lenox Rd, Schenectady
About the Project
Aimed at encouraging healthy habits for children, the Nutritious Choices Learning Paths were developed by Emerging Leaders UNITED, a young professionals group empowered to drive positive change across the Capital Region. While promoting healthy habits is critically important, this project also recognizes the need for more accessible and affordable healthy food for everyone in the Capital Region. The Learning Paths bring nutrition to life with their interactive activities that encourage participants to understand the benefits of healthy foods. You will notice that the Paths are composed of small poster boards with quick facts corresponding to the activity related to them.
Special Thanks
Artist Cara Hanley, AJ Signs, City of Albany Parks and Recreation Department, City of Hudson Mayor's Office, and the 2020 Emerging Leaders UNITED Leadership Committee; Annie Berdar, Kate Bender, and Gershom Keith.
Supported by
Black Lives Matter Park Installation
Henry Hudson Riverside Park Installation
Food Pantries
Regional Food Bank Food Pantry Locator
Capital District Regional Market
Delaware Community Farmer’s Market
Mater Christi Church Food Pantry
New Covenant Presbyterian Farmer’s Market
Washington Park Farmers Market
Women’s Health Center Wic Program
Community Gardens
Food Pantries
Community Gardens
Food Pantries
Schenectady County Department of Social Services
Community Gardens
Octopus’s Garden - https://muse.union.edu/octopus-garden/about/
To get you started, here are just a few ways to access healthy foods and promote healthy habits across the Capital Region; you can also find food pantries and community gardens by clicking on your county below.
- Free Food Fridge Albany (Services 2 — Free Food Fridge Albany)
- Food Pantry Map (Find Food Now – The Food Pantries For The Capital District)
- Call or Text 211 (211 NENY – 211 NENY | Search Resources in Northeast New York)
- Feeding America (Find Free Food and Groceries | Feeding America)
Quick healthy recipes for you to try at home!
Banana and Strawberry Parfait
Ingredients
1 banana (sliced)
4 strawberries (sliced)
1 cup yogurt (any flavor)
2 tablespoon granola
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
Directions
Slice bananas and strawberries into bite-sized pieces. In small bowl, add 1/2 cup of yogurt and half of each ingredient then mix. Add the remaining yogurt and combine it with the rest of the ingredients.
Have fun with this recipe! Mix and match using different types of fruits and yogurt!
Ingredients
1 banana
2 slices whole grain bread
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil)
Directions
Smear the peanut butter on both slices of bread. Cut banana into small slices and layer them on one slice of bread. Sprinkle cinnamon over the layered bananas and put the other slice on bread, peanut butter side down.
Add oil to pan and heat on medium. Fry the sandwich on both sides for 2-3 minutes until nice and brown. Remove from heat, cut in half, serve and enjoy!
Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
3 cups watermelon (cubed or balled)
1 1/2 cups sliced cucumber (remove seed)
2 tablespoons mint (thinly sliced)
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a large bowl, add the watermelon, cucumber and mint. To make the dressing, whisk together in a small bowl, the olive oil, lime juice and salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the melon and mint mixture and toss to coat. Place in a serving bowl then sprinkle with feta.
Ingredients
2 cups frozen strawberries
1 cup chopped watermelon
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
2 teaspoons honey (optional)
1 lime
Directions
In a blender, combine strawberries, watermelon, yogurt, honey (optional) and lime juice. Puree until smooth. Pour into a cup and enjoy! Garnish with a small watermelon slice.
_Page_1.png)
_Page_2.png)
_Page_3.png)
_Page_4.png)
_Page_5.png)
_Page_6.png)
_Page_7.png)
Urban Gardening with Soul Fire Farms
Whether you have a windowsill, fire escape, or backyard, growing fresh and nourishing vegetables is possible. Join Leah Penniman, Co-Director and Farm Manager of Soul Fire Farm for a session on the basics of container gardening and urban farming!
