Eat-In on Labor Day

The Time for Lunch Campaign is a project of Slow Food USA, an educational non-profit with the goal of creating a world in which everyone can enjoy food that is good, clean and fair.

This year, they're asking parents, teachers and every responsible citizen to speak up and tell our nation's leaders that change can’t wait: It's time to provide our children with REAL FOOD at school.

And we're happy to say: There are now more than 250 Eat-Ins taking place on Labor Day for our National Day of Action to give kids real food at school and organizers in all 50 states have joined the effort. So get involved.

Here’s a link to find a Labor Day Eat-In near you: http://slowfoodusa.org/ timeforlunch.

If there isn’t an Eat-In in your area, sign up to host your own. All you need to do is gather with friends for a Labor Day potluck, take a photo (the more creative, the better) and send it to us on Sept. 7 to show your support.

It's also important to sign the petition, so we can tell Congress that there’s no excuse for federal policy that forces schools to serve the fast food and junk food that endangers children’s health. It’s time to give schools the ability to serve real food, and to begin building a strong foundation for our children’s futures.

Get involved and show the world that healthy food is important to you and your family!

FYI! (Something to do on Saturday)

Looking for something else to read while you savor the last few days of summer?

Then be sure to take advantage of one of the best deals of the summer - the semi-annual Newspapers in Education book sale.

On Saturday, the back room at The Salem News in Beverly will be filled with thousands of used books of all kinds. Prices range from 50 cents to $3, and 100% of the proceeds go to the NIE program, which supplies free newspapers to elementary and high schools on the North Shore.

The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 32 Dunham Road in Beverly.

(Just a side note: Does anyone else think its funny The Salem News is located in Beverly? Hehe.)

Free Charlie Hope Concert!

We are so excited to have Charlie Hope here again to sing songs from her new CD "I'm Me"! So plan on getting to CGB early on Saturday, September 5 @ 11AM for our free concert! For a preview of Charlie Hope's music, visit here.

Intro. to Yoga for Pregnancy

Join Alicia from Green Tea Yoga for a simple introduction to Yoga for Pregnancy!

On Saturday, August 29 at 11AM, Alicia will spend 30 minutes teaching basic yoga positions for pregnancy and answering questions about yoga and pregnancy.

Alicia embraced a yoga practice wholeheartedly while expecting her baby nine years ago and believes yoga is for everyone. She holds a Master's degree in Education and Creative Arts in Learning and recently introduced her innovative Yoga for Kids program to Green Tea Yoga and the Northshore. Alicia's classes are creative and dynamic, using music and mindful sequencing to give her students an integrated workout for body and mind.

Learn more about the class here and check out Yoga for Pregnancy (and some other great event ideas) on Daily Candy!

Does the Rise of Consumer Culture Both You?

. . .If so, then check out "Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood" on Tuesday, August 25, from 7 to 9 PM at St. John the Evangelist Church (111 New Balch Street in Beverly). . . . for FREE!

Are your kids always nagging you for stuff? Do you want kids to be happy for who they are, and now what they own? Are you worried about children growing up too fast? Are gender stereotypes cramping their style? Do you want kids to think for themselves? Do you value kids' imagination? Does the rise of consumer culture bother you?

Then check out the film for "an eye-opening account of the pervasive and pernicious effects of children's advertising on the health and well-being of kids" and a lively discussion afterward.

For more information or to register, visit www.commercialfreechildhood.org or contact Melissa Keys at mkeys76@hotmail.com or 978.921.5495.

Yummy Zucchini Muffins . . .

Not sure if you've heard, but CGB hosts a CSA on Thursdays. Learn more here. And we also host a monthly Bamboo Spoon Award Contest , where CSA shareholders bake treats using our CSA ingredients. Then as other shareholders wander in to pick up their produce, they taste all the treats and vote for their favorite. The dish with the most votes wins the Bamboo Spoon!

On Thursday, Ivy Connelly baked insanely yummy Zucchini Muffins with Oat Graham Brown Sugar Toppings. It was so good, we wanted to share the recipe with all our CGB friends. Enjoy!

Zucchini Muffins (or bread)

3 eggs, beaten
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour (can use white or whole wheat or a combination)
2 cups zucchini grated (can substitute summer squash or use a combination)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup raisins or nuts (optional)
Mix ingredients thoroughly.
Pour into muffin tins or loaf pan.
Bake at 350 degrees, 25-30 minutes for muffins, 1 hour for bread.

Oat-Graham-Brown Sugar Topping

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats
2 sheets of graham crackers, crushed
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut in pieces
Mix the first four ingredients together.
Cut the butter in with a pastry knife.
Spoon on top of the muffins.
Bake as directed.

Win Yoga Pants!

CGB (well, our products) are being featured on a Mom Blog!

Mkokopelli was founded by Mom Michelle, who was looking for an outlet to share her daughter Ella's adventures. With the economic setbacks as a stay at home mom, she began updating her blog with freebies, deals and great contests. A perfect way for moms to see if products were worth the extra money!

So be sure to check out Michelle's blog for a chance to win some CGB yoga pants during her Yoga Week!