Wild Oats Market to Host Evening on Preparing Healthy, Inexpensive Meals

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WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Wild Oats Market, a cooperatively-owned market offering local and organic foods, will host an evening on "How to Shop for and Prepare Healthy, Inexpensive Meals" on Wednesday, April 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the store cafe.

Local dietitian Deborah Blood and nutritionist Kelly MacDonald will discuss the economic and environmental benefits of buying in bulk, and the many choices that are available from the store’s bulk department. They will provide tips for buying in bulk, and answer any questions that participants may have about shopping for and preparing healthy, economic meals. The evening will include a recipe prepared by Wild Oats, featuring the super-grain quinoa. Participants will have the chance to try this dish and taste for themselves how delicious and easy it can be to prepare meals using whole grains.

The evening is free to all. Sign up at the market, 320 Main St., or call the store at 413-458-8060.

“The economy has made it harder than ever for some families and individuals to afford high-quality food,” said Michael Faber, general manager. “Purchasing and preparing foods from the bulk department is one way that people can eat well, and save money and help the environment at the same time.”

Wild Oats wants to help ensure that healthy foods are available to everyone regardless of their income. Through its /Healthy Food for All/ program, it offers a 10 percent discount to people who meet requirements for certain other forms of income assistance. Through its /Basic Goods/ program, Wild Oats offers some of the lowest prices available on staples such as milk, cereal and canned goods.

Wild Oats Market is a member-owned, cooperative-based whole foods market that buys extensively from local and regional natural and organic food producers. One need not be a member to shop at Wild Oats, although membership offers several benefits. The market carries a wide selection of organic and naturally-made products, including: meats, eggs, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, breads, pastas, oils, cereals, juices and chocolate, and has an in-house bakery and prepared foods department. Wild Oats Market also carries healthful supplements and body care products, as well as environmentally-friendly household supplies.
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Companion Corner: Lucy at Second Chance Animal Shelter

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

ARLINGTON, Vt. — There is an excited and energetic pup looking for her new family.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home.

Lucy is an 18-month-old heeler/terrier mix with energy to spare. She has been at the Second Chance Animal Shelter for about a month.

Lead canine care technician Alaura Lasher introduced us to her.

"She is a very energetic girl. She loves to play, and as you can see, she came to us from animal control," she said. 

Lucy was not in a great situation before coming to the shelter and they are still trying to learn more about her.

"They had seized her from a pretty neglectful situation. She was actually technically abandoned. She just came to us this last month, so she's still showing us all of her energy she has," Lasher said.

Lucy is able to go home with a dog-savvy cat and older children as she can be a bit jumpy with her bounds of energy.

"The perfect home for her is one that is able to give her a ton of attention and a ton of time playing, she loves her time outside," said Lasher. "She can run forever and not get tired. She can possibly live with another dog who is used to more of a pushy play style. She can be a little pushy when she plays, just because she's so hyper."

Since she is young, she is still learning and training with the staff and might need more with someone who takes her home.

"To the best of our knowledge, she's just a healthy young girl, because she's only a year and a half old, she still got a little bit of learning and training that she could use."

But Lucy is always happy to see anyone and immediately wants to play and say hi. Her endless energy makes her a great companion to play outside with and then hang out after a long day of fun.

"She's just a super sweet girl again. She'll need some help with the training, but as long as you've got time to burn out her energy, she'll make a great family dog," she said.

If you think Lucy might be the girl for you, reach out to Second Chance Animal Shelter and learn more about her on their website.

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