FAQs
Each day the Merrimack Valley Nutrition Project continues to improve the quality of life for homebound senior citizens by providing nutritious meals. Many of our senior citizens have told us that our program has been a lifesaver for them.
The Merrimack Valley Nutrition Project serves 1,800 senior citizens in 21 communities across the Merrimack Valley. However, with rising food, paper and fuel costs, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the funds to carry out our mission.
The Merrimack Valley Nutrition Project would like to continue providing nutritious meals. Today, you can make a difference.
Any donation you send will help us to continue to provide quality meals to the people who need it most. If you would like to donate to the Merrimack Valley Nutrition Project, send your donation payable to MVNP, 57 River Road, Andover MA 01810.
Less Salt Not Less Flavor
Did you know that we are not born with a love for salt. It is a taste we acquire and learn to like over time. The amount of salt it takes to satisfy our taste buds grows over time, causing many of us to consume much more sodium than is healthy. Experts recommend limiting the amount of salt or sodium in your diet. If you put salt on your food or eat a lot of convenience food, you are probably eating an excess amount. Too much sodium can lead to fluid retention and high blood pressure in certain individuals.
To help lower your intake of sodium:
- Hide the salt shaker from your table.
- Replace the salt shaker with a salt-free substitute like “Mrs. Dash”, Kroger Zesty Blends or your own salt-free blend of spices.
- Use fresh lemon, parsley, garlic, onion, chives, oregano, basil, balsamic vinegar and fresh ground pepper to flavor your foods instead of salt.
- Check with your physician before using a salt substitute like “Lite” salt or No Salt.
- Read labels and choose entrees with less than 700 mg sodium per serving. Look for the words “Low Sodium”, “Very Low Sodium” and “Sodium Free” on the label to help you choose products that fit into a lower salt meal plan.
- Adjust your recipes – you can eliminate the salt in many recipes without affecting the quality of the finished product. Cook pasta, rice, potatoes, stew, hot cereal, cookies, pancakes and muffins without adding salt.
- Use fresh, frozen or low sodium canned vegetables in your recipes instead of regular canned ones.
- Use low sodium soups instead of regular soup. Olive oil or canola oil can be substituted for salted butter or margarine in recipes. This helps to reduce the sodium and gives you a healthier source of fat.
It may take your taste buds a little time to adjust to the taste of foods with less salt and the flavors of fresh seasonings. Make only one or two changes in your eating habits at a time. Soon you will feel the benefits.
Emergency Food List
We have compiled a list of emergency foods you should consider keeping on hand throughout the year, especially during the winter. They can be prepared when there is no electricity, gas or water available. All items may be eaten without having heating as all have been pre-cooked. You may also want to keep liquid meal replacements such as “Ensure”, “Boost” or other brands on hand as well as nutrition bars such as “Power Bars”. Remember to keep a regular (non electric) can and bottle opener handy.
Listed below is a three day supply;
3 or 4 6 oz. Cans of fruit juice (100% juice)
3 or 4 Packages of dry cereal
1 Small jar of peanut butter (low sodium if needed)
1 Small jar of regular or diet jelly
1 Package of unsalted crackers
3 or 4 Cans of prepared meats or fish, beef hash, beef stew, luncheon meat, spam, or tuna fish (low sodium if needed and available)
3 or 4 8 oz. Cans vegetable baked beans
3 or 4 8 oz. Cans fruit or diet fruit or packaged dry fruit
1 or 2 Small cans evaporated milk
1 or 2 Packages of dry milk
Water: Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person. (2 quarts water for drinking and 2 quarts water for cooking and sanitation). If your environment is very hot or if you are ill, you may need to consume more water each day. Purification of Water: Water can be purified if necessary by boiling for 5 to 10 minutes. Cool before drinking. Storing water: Store water in thoroughly cleaned plastic or glass containers such as soda bottles. Seal container tightly, label it and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every 6 months.
