25 Jan 2012

Froot n' Frogurt is Now Open in the South Park Mall in Moline

By Rick Martin

New Frozen Yogurt Bar! Choose from over 30 toppings for a Fun, Healthy Treat.

Smoothies, Coffee and Fresh Fruit Bouquets also available at this location.

South Park Mall Food Fair, 4500 16th St, Moline, IL 61265

Visit us online at www.frootnfrogurt.com

24 Jan 2012

Lt. Gov. Simon praises increased local food access

By Justin Stofferahn
SPRINGFIELD - During an address to Downtown Springfield, Inc. on Wednesday evening, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon, an advocate for a fresh food economy, will release figures showing more low-income Illinoisans are choosing to purchase healthy, locally produced foods at Illinois farmers markets.

The amount of food stamp benefits known as LINK redeemed at Illinois farmers markets and from direct marketing farmers increased by nearly 69 percent between 2011 and 2010, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Sales in federal fiscal year 2011 totaled $69,320, up from $41,146 in 2010 and $11,146 in 2009. (The federal fiscal year is October 1-September 30.)

Simon attributes the increase, in part, to better access. Currently 49 markets and direct marketing farmers in 20 counties are certified to accept LINK, which is up from 35 in 2010 and 15 in 2009. The only constitutional officer from Southern Illinois, Simon chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, which is focused on expanding access to local foods.

Simon will detail the numbers at the Downtown Springfield, Inc. annual awards dinner. Downtown Springfield, Inc. is a non-profit that works to preserve, promote, and enhance Springfield's historic central business district, and runs the Old Capitol Farmers Market.

EVENT: Downtown Springfield, Inc. annual awards dinner

TIME: 7 p.m.

PLACE: Hilton Hotel, 700 East Adams Street, Springfield

23 Jan 2012

First Lady to Announce New Nutrition Standards for Meals Served in America's Schools

By Rick Martin

Public-Private Partnership Aims to Connect More Kids to Nutrition Programs

WASHINGTON, January 20, 2012 - First Lady Michelle Obama will be joined by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at Parklawn Elementary School to speak with parents about the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new and improved nutrition standards for school lunches. An important accomplishment of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act that President Obama signed into law last year, USDA is making the first major changes in school meals in over 15 years, and doing so in a way that's achievable for schools across the nation. The new standards make the same kinds of changes that many parents are already encouraging at home, including ensuring kids are offered fruits and vegetables every day of the week, substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods, offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties and making sure kids are getting proper portion sizes.

Mrs. Obama and Secretary Vilsack will join children in the lunch line in Parklawn's cafeteria where the school's food service employees and celebrity cook Rachael Ray will be serving a healthy, delicious meal that meets new and improved nutrition standards for school lunches. Mrs. Obama and the Secretary will then join elementary kids for lunch.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012
11:15 a.m.

WHAT: First Lady Michelle Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services will announce the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) new and improved nutrition standards for school lunches.

WHERE: Parklawn Elementary School
4116 Braddock Road  
Alexandria, Va. 22312

18 Jan 2012

Continuing the Battle against Obesity, Robard Corporation Announces the Launch of Salad Spray Dressings Aimed at Making Dieting Easier

By Larry Korte

MOUNT LAUREL, NJ – Robard Corporation, a leading provider of weight loss programs and products, today announced the launch of two new Salad Spray Dressings. Balsamic Vinaigrette and Honey Mustard come in portable sprayer bottles and not a traditional pour bottle so they help aid in portion control and are a convenient addition to diet plans.

Balsamic Vinaigrette and Honey Mustard Spray Salad Dressings contain ingredients that support fat and carbohydrate metabolism, help burn more calories, assist in protecting cell functions, and support fat burning thermogenesis. With their simple delivery system and quality nutritional makeup, the new Salad Spray Dressings were designed to maintain dieter compliance and success throughout every phase of Robard`s diversified diet programs.

Robard Corporation has launched over 20 new products in form and flavor for its customers over the last year. Its Salad Spray Dressings are the latest in an extensive product line with a goal of expanding sales and dieter retention.

For more information on Robard and its services, please visit www.Robard.com.

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17 Jan 2012

Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend set for March 23-25, 2012

By Rick Martin
GALENA, Ill. - Tickets are available online now for Galena's extremely popular Grand Tastings during Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend. This year's event is slated for March 23-25, with Grand Tastings being offered on Friday, March 23 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 24 from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at the Galena Convention Center, 900 Galena Square Drive, in Galena, Illinois.

"This year's Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend promises to be even more fun-filled," said event sponsor Tim Althaus, owner, Family Beer & Liquor. "We do highly recommend early purchase for Grand Tasting tickets as we have sold out quickly in past years."

After selling out three weeks before the event in 2009, the committee expanded to offering two Grand Tastings in 2010, both of which also sold out. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, subject to availability, and may be purchased online at www.wineloversweekend.com.

Why are the Grand Tastings so popular? They provide epicureans of all levels the opportunity to choose from more than 300 varieties of hand-picked wines and spirits to sample. Admission also provides you with a keepsake wine glass and an opportunity to win a wine-themed trip to San Francisco. Additional trip chances may be purchased for $15 each. The wine silent auction includes items such as vintage wines, artwork, large format wine bottles and related items of interest.

Now in its seventh year running, Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend is a community-wide celebration of good wine, good food and good friends. Wine lovers of all sorts are invited to enjoy three event-filled days of fine wine, culinary delight, celebrity chefs, wine makers, pampering packages and all of the stops Galena can possibly pull out.

Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend is a spirited way to warm the winter and add romance - whether it is for vino, gourmet cuisine or the love for a town with history and charm all of its own. Wine-inspired dinners, spirit tastings, spa experiences, history tours, cooking demonstrations and shopping welcome and enchant visitors.

Lodging specials and package deals fuel the passion. From dining packages to pampering in luxurious accommodations and the warmest of hospitality, Galena's finest provide a variety of options to cater to every taste and budget.

Visit www.wineloversweekend.com for a detailed listing of extended-weekend activities, links to lodging, and an opportunity to purchase tickets online. For information about room availability, shopping, dining, attractions, events and more, please go to galena.org, the Web site of the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, or call 877.464.2536 toll-free.

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13 Jan 2012

Great River Brewery launches Root Beer in Honor of Chad Pregracke

By Larry McDonald
Davenport, Iowa - Great River Brewery, where legendary craft brews are made has come up with a new product, and this one has gained its legendary status almost instantly. It is named in honor of environmentalist Chad Pregracke, Founder and President of Living Lands & Waters and recipient of countless awards. The product will be unveiled to the public in a tapping celebration on Wednesday January 18th at 5:00 pm at the Great River Brewery, 332 East 2nd Street, Davenport.

In announcing the new product, River Rat Root Beer, GRB Brewmaster Paul Krutzfeldt was quick to praise Pregracke. "I'm a recent transplant to the Quad Cities, but even in my landlocked former home in Iowa, I'd heard of him and the work he was doing. It's impressive. When we opened the brewery here and Chad became a fan, it was like having a celebrity in attendance."

Pregracke, who has been honored by Presidents and was chosen by Mitchum as "The Hardest Working Man in America," couldn't be more thrilled. "When the idea for the River Rat Root Beer was first presented to me, I thought it was a fantastic idea... and an honor all in one. There are so many people who have, and continue to do great things for the Mississippi River. The Root Beer tastes awesome and promotes a great cause. I just want to thank GRB for choosing me to highlight."

The product concept and package design was the work of longtime Quad Cities marketing strategist Larry McDonald. "Great River Brewery gave me a blank sheet of paper with this product, but I know that the brewery is very supportive of worthy causes. Living Lands & Waters naturally came to mind. After I roughed out a series of concepts, the idea of making a younger Chad the star of the package kept coming to the top. After all, he's a heck of a role model and young people are known to drink root beer. I'm really glad that Paul chose a formulation that lives up to the standard."

Product samples will be available and refreshments will be served. An official tapping event, open to the public, will be held that same day at 5:00 pm.

River Rat Root Beer is made with 100 per cent pure cane sugar using a traditional recipe. It is packaged in 16 ounce can four-packs and will be available in Quad Cities grocery stores within days. Great River Brewery products are currently distributed through a seven state area.
13 Jan 2012

Country Style Now Served at Bettendorf Hy-Vee

By Jake Glimco
Bettendorf, IA / January 13, 2011 - Quad-City dieters looking for a low-cal treat that won't blow their diet can now enjoy Country Style Ice Cream at Bettendorf's Hy-Vee cafeteria!  The first cones of the "Taste Like Homemade" soft-serve product were served up last month.  Country Style's original rich vanilla and new dark chocolate flavors are being served separately and in twist cones or cups and are being very well received.

Hy-Vee Dietician Stacy Mitchell, a long-time fan of Country Style, was surprised to see how healthy a choice Country Style is, compared to other frozen confection.  "Talk about a really satisfying treat that can fool you!  I've even said to my family, 'I don't want to know how many calories are in this stuff.'"  Both Country Style flavors, even if consumed in a one-cup serving is 100 calories less and about half the fat of regular soft serve.  It also has 2-3 grams less of saturated fat.   Country style is also gluten-free, kosher and contains no high-fructose corn syrup.  According to Mitchell, even diabetics can enjoy Country Style, as a single carbohydrate exchange, if they savor a half-cup serving.  Customers at the Bettendorf Hy-Vee can now package quart-size containers to serve at home.  Country Style is also available in the Milan Hy-Vee.

Country Style Ice Cream was founded in 1947 when Wayne Lindgren and his brother Chester "Whitey" Lindgren collaborated to produce a quality soft serve mix and opened the first Country Style on 23rd Avenue and 43rd Street in Moline, Illinois. Wayne eventually bought out Whitey's share of the business. Committed to quality, Wayne and his wife, Desyl, set out to establish Country Style as the finest quality soft serve ice cream in the country. Kent Kindelsperger took on the Country Style tradition and purchased Country Style on February 8, 1988 and continues to head the company today.

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11 Jan 2012

2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY EOOD DRIVE IO SUPPORT THE RIVER BEND EOOD BANK

By Tammy R Wilson
Lisa L. Bierman and the Rock Island County Circuit Clerk's Office held their annual holiday food drive during the month of December 2011. The food collected will benefit  the River Bend Foodbank. River Bend will be collecting the donations this Week.

Circuit Clerk staff were encouraged to bring in food donations and then were eligible to wear jeans for the day. The Circuit Clerk staff were divided into teams based on department and given another incentive of a pizza party for the team that collected the most items at the end. Our staff were also encouraged to solicit others in the Courthouse to donate to their teams to boost their numbers in an attempt to gather the largest numbers of donations. In the end the Traffic Division Won!

"Working with the public everyday makes you even more aware ofthe need for this kind of help, which is so important to our community," says Circuit Clerk Lisa Bierman.

"We have Wonderful staff here and they are always eager to help participate with such a valuable resource for those in need. This is actually our 3rd food drive that We have conducted and plan to participate in many more in the future."

For more information with how you can organize a food drive or help The River Bend foodbank, go to www.riverbendfoodbank.org or call 309-764-7434.
04 Jan 2012

Celebrating our favorite things - ARC Taste of Galena

By Rick Martin

22nd Annual ARC Taste of Galena - February 3, 2012

GALENA, Ill. - It's time to eat for a cause.

In Galena, it's hard to choose just one place to be. One favorite thing. The Galena Art & Recreation Center (ARC) is making it easy and bringing all of their Galena favorites together in one place. Just for you.

On February 3, Galena's best - ranging from restaurateurs to winemakers and cheesecake bakers to caterers - will gather together at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa from 7-10 p.m. to celebrate "Our Favorite Things" for the Galena Art & Recreation Center.

Now in its 22nd year, the ARC Taste of Galena has become a sought-after event that promises an evening of pleasure for your taste buds. Past years have presented delectable dishes such as: slow roasted glazed pork loin, Yukon Gold mashed potato bar with toppings, blue cheese soup, lobster ravioli, salmon with béarnaise on potato galette, pan fried pork dumplings, sushi, Louisiana crab cakes, Southwest tortilla chip soup, gourmet pomegranate balsamic and blood orange olive oil salad, homemade fudge, toffee, assorted cheesecakes, and chocolate molten cake with caramel sauce. And that's just a partial listing. Is your mouth watering yet?

Your taste buds won't be the only thing thanking you. Your feet will thank you, too, as they may be keeping rhythm to the catchy beat of the Rob Martin Quartet, a live jazz ensemble, who will perform throughout the evening.

For a complete and up-to-date listing of ARC Taste exhibitors and menus, view the event's useful website at www.tasteofgalena.com. The site also provides attendees with a quick and convenient way to purchase Taste tickets online. In addition to online sales, tickets may also be purchased at the Galena Art & Recreation Center, 413 S. Bench St. or the Galena Territory Association Owners' Club Complex, 2000 Territory Dr., both in Galena. Cost is $30 per person.

"We are really excited about this year's 'Taste' where our favorites will be showcasing their favorite 'tastes','" said Sarah Petersen, the ARC's executive director. "It's always a fun evening, and this year promises to be one of the best yet. I recommend purchasing your tickets early as this event has sold out in the past. The Galena ARC also extends special thanks to Miss Kitty's Grape Escape, First Community Bank of Galena and Galena State Bank and Trust Co. for their sponsorship and support."

This year, childcare is again available. The Galena Thunder Volleyball team will sponsor a "Kids Night Out" starting at 6 pm at the Galena Art & Recreation Center the same evening. To register, contact Jane Holland at 815.238.6010 or email hollandcamp19@mac.com.

The ARC Taste of Galena is a core fundraiser for the Galena Art & Recreation Center, a not-for-profit organization that provides programs for all ages. The funds raised at the ARC Taste are included in the ARC annual operating budget and will assist with the ongoing process of balancing the budget and achieving financial security.

To learn more about the Galena Art & Recreation Center and the community programs it offers, visit www.galenaarc.org. For information about room availability, shopping, dining, attractions, events and more, please go to galena.org, the Web site of the Galena/Jo Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau, or call 877.464.2536 toll-free.

 

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27 Dec 2011

Support Local Agriculture: Fresh Deli by Nostalgia Farms CSAV's Now Available

By Ed Kraklio

(Davenport, IA) - FRESH DELI by Nostalgia Farms will open in early 2012 as the first business within the Food Hub at the Freight House in downtown Davenport; however, fans of locally grown food don't have to wait for a ribbon cutting to support the cause.  The deli is already selling Customer Supported Agriculture Vouchers (CSAV's) via phone and email.  The vouchers can be redeemed throughout the year for discounted food purchases at the deli; meanwhile, the money raised through the sale of the vouchers will also provide funding to help cover the typical costs associated with launching any new small business.

"Nostalgia Farms has utilized the sale of CSAV's to successfully launch and sustain our current business over the years," said Ed Kraklio, co-owner of Nostalgia Farms and FRESH DELI.  "Although it's uncommon to see CSAV's sold by a restaurant, our unique nature as a significant provider and supporter of locally grown food makes the sale of the vouchers a perfect fit for the deli, too.  Customers get a great discount as well as an opportunity to show their support for local agriculture and the Quad Cities economy."

Customers can buy vouchers in $200 increments towards food purchases over the next twelve months, which provides an overall discount of $40 per year.

FRESH DELI will be carrying made-to-order items off the grill, prepared sandwiches, as well as soups and salads featuring the deli's own dressing lines and mustards.  Customers can expect to find a large selection of "Take -n- Bake" items such as soups, pies, casseroles, and lasagnas, too.  Vegetarians will be pleased to hear that FRESH DELI by Nostalgia Farms will also have a large selection of vegetarian dishes.

FRESH DELI isn't just using produce and meats from Nostalgia Farms, though.  The restaurant will be utilizing products from many local producers including Sawyer Beef, Geest Farms, Winters Bison, Avante Cheese, Behnke Poultry, Happy Hollow, Oak Hill Acres, and more.  Krarklio plans to have FRESH DELI partner with as many local producers as possible throughout the Quad Cities region.

"We're still finishing construction on the space; however, we encourage those who support local agriculture and fresh local food to purchase a CSAV today," noted Kraklio. "Purchasing a CSAV is a great opportunity to take advantage of for individuals and companies alike."

Karklio plans to have the deli open six to seven days a week; more details regarding hours will be revealed upon its grand opening.  FRESH DELI accepts Debit, Credit, (Visa, MasterCard) EBT, Cash and Checks.  The deli will also offer delivery to a limited area in down town Davenport and Rock Island.

To purchase a CSAV or to ask additional questions, please call 563-940-0634 or email freshdeli@nostalgiafarms.com.

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