Today is “Food Day” in Humboldt County, and it will be celebrated with several special events in Eureka and Arcata. Food Day is a movement toward more healthy, affordable, sustainable food and a better food system.

Locally as well as nationally, Food Day is a chance to celebrate the strengths of our food system and take action to bring us closer to a food system with “real food” that is produced with care for the environment, animals and the women and men who grow, harvest and serve it.

Visit any of the events listed in this column to learn about eating healthy. Community Nutrition Action Partners will be tabling at all the events. You can ask the staff questions about how to add fruits and vegetables to your meals. There will also be fun, educational activities. Learn about the healthy food resources available in your neighborhood.

One of the many events planned for Food Day will take place at the Department of Health and Human Services’ Social Services lobby in Eureka. Visitors to the lobby will have the opportunity to make fruit smoothies with a bicycle-powered blender. When pedaled, this stationary bike powers a blender attached to the front of the bike. Participants can watch their smoothie blend as they push the bike pedals.

”Social Services staff is excited to promote CalFresh benefits in purchasing healthy and nutritious foods coupled with Food Day’s ‘Eat Real’ message. We will have free vegetable seeds, seed planting cards, peat pellets, flower pots, a variety of healthy-eating cookbooks and CalFresh grocery bags in the Koster Street lobby in celebration of Food Day,” said Donna Wheeler, DHHS deputy director of Social Services.

The farmers markets in Arcata, Henderson Center and McKinleyville are also planning events for Food Day.

”We celebrate food every day at our farmers markets, but this Food Day celebration gives the community a chance to meet some of our partners who are promoting health and wellness through food,” said Portia Bramble, director of the North Coast Growers Association. “There will be an opportunity for people to try new fruits and vegetables, talk to local farmers and also learn more about the new health insurance guidelines and ask questions about the Affordable Care Act.”

Locally, people are invited to attend a variety of Food Day events. The following activities are planned today:

* DHHS Social Services lobby — Food Day celebration, with children’s activities, free veggie starts, free cookbooks and the bike blender; the lobby is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 929 Koster St. in Eureka.

* Henderson Center Farmers Market — Fun Food Day booths, cooking demonstrations and free fresh produce samples from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. F Street between Henderson and Russ streets in Eureka.

* Grocery Outlet in Eureka — Cooking demonstrations and free food samples prepared by Food for People staff, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 625 Commercial St. in Eureka.

* McKinleyville Farmers Market — Fun Food Day booths and free produce samples from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the McKinleyville Shopping Center.

On Saturday, the community is invited to the Arcata Plaza for the annual Arcata Plaza Farmers Market’s annual Harvest Festival, with fun Food Day booths, cooking demonstrations and free produce samples from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

”We are excited about Food Day and the chance to hear about local endeavors that are working on creating a healthier food system in Humboldt County,” said DHHS Public Health Nutritionist Colleen Ogle.

”Food Day is not just a daylong event, but an opportunity to make a permanent change that supports a more sustainable and healthy future.”

If you are celebrating Food Day with a dinner or potluck at your home, consider adding this recipe to your menu. For other healthful recipes, visit www.foodday.org. 

GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH RED ONION AND SALSA DRESSING

(Adapted from “Mexican Everyday” by Rick Bayless)

— 1 pound green beans, trimmed

— 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

— 3 tablespoons olive oil

— 3 tablespoons bottled salsa, preferably green tomatillo salsa

— 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

— 3 sprigs cilantro, plus more for garnish

— 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Steam the green beans until tender-crunchy, about 3 minutes. Allow them to cool, then toss with the red onion in a large bowl.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a blender or mini food processor. Process until smooth to make dressing. Toss the dressing with the green beans and red onion. Garnish with some cilantro leaves. Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 90 calories; 7 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 140 mg sodium; 7 g carbohydrate; 1 g protein; 2 g dietary fiber.

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Kelley Kyle is the senior health education specialist for the DHHS Healthy Communities Division.