Submitted by Jordan Chila | Editor-in-Chief
In honor of Spanish heritage month, we are sharing a simple Arepas recipe with you.
Ingredients
Arepas:
4 cups Yellow Cornmeal (fine)
2 cups Water
Salt to taste
Topping:
2 Tomatoes
3 Scallions
Garlic powder to taste
Salt to taste
Oil
Filling:
Butter
Cheese
Directions:
By Mayra Alaniz Andrade | Observer Contributor
According to Allison Goodwin, Operations Director at Gaining Ground, a nonprofit organic farm in Concord, MA, “About one in five Massachusetts households is experiencing food insecurity, which is really staggering.” Gaining Ground has been working to address the area’s increasing food insecurity for the past seven years by donating free, sustainable, organic produce to local residents.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, 44.2 million Americans lived in food-insecure households in 2022, with 12.8% of residents lacking consistent access to sufficient food, up from 10.2% the previous year.
By Desiree Leader | Staff Writer
According to a study by the research group College Pulse, 14% of the college population follows a vegetarian (no meat products) or vegan (no animal products, including milk or eggs) diet, compared to 4% of the general population. The most cited reason for this is environmental concerns (31%), followed closely by animal rights and health. While no specific data was available for the Mount, Mina Girouard, Student Leader in Civic Engagement, and member of the Food for Thought food pantry at the college has noticed an uptick in the need for vegan products to serve the students. They purchase items like tofu, which are not available through the Worcester County Food Bank that helps stock the pantry. They also offer fresh produce and staples like pasta, beans, and plant-based grains.
By Micah Clark | Observer Contributor
In today’s food market, agricultural products often contain unhealthy ingredients and it can be hard to avoid these items, Professor Thomas J. Montagno explained, and he has advice on how to make better choices.
“Monsanto manufactures some of the deadliest chemicals and pesticides of the world,” said Dr. Montagno, Chair of Natural Resources at the Mount and professor for about thirteen years. “If you don’t buy your food organic, chances are it’s from Monsanto,” he added.
By Rebekah Chiasson | Observer Contributor
If you are looking for a place to take your date, a place to hang out with the guys and watch a game, or even a place for a girl’s night out, head to Great Road Kitchen, a brand new restaurant in Littleton. Owner Marcus Palmer opened the Kitchen doors in early 2016, with Executive Chef Chris Frothingham (who you can find on the Food Network show “Beat Bobby Flay”), and Chef de Cuisine, Sean Smith. The restaurant caters to all types of foodies including seafood lovers, steak eaters, and the health conscious.
By Jenny Cooper | Observer Reporter
Tino’s is a homey small bar with a fun atmosphere. The people there are extremely friendly and make you feel right at home. Whether you are stepping in on a Wednesday night for a drink after work or meeting a bunch of friends for a hopping Friday night out, you will fit right in at Tino’s.
Kim and Scott Salvi have opened this bar at 102 Front St. in Whinchendon and it seems to be just what the town needed! They are very warm, welcoming, and are quick to make you feel like you are family when you enter their establishment.
By Elizabeth Shipman | Observer Reporter
It is often somewhat difficult to find a great place to eat that has wonderful food for a low price. One such place however can be found in downtown Gardner. Cruisers Malt Shoppe was opened in September 2007 on Central Street.
The food is typical American style but all with a fun twist. Breakfast is served all day. You can get something as common as a pancake or something a little uncommon such as “Elvis Pancakes” which include bananas and peanut butter. Omelets and breakfast sandwiches are also served.