WELD – The Electronic Grange Network is offering free instruction and classes to rural consumers on how to use fresh produce as a part of a properly planned and prepared nutritional diet.

These services are supported through the Maine Nutrition Network and a “5-A-Day the Maine Way” grant. The goal of the “5-A-Day” grant is to promote healthier living through a balanced and nutritious diet, including the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Using produce from community gardens, instructional demonstrations document the ways consumers can make fresh produce a part of their healthy diet.

The next formal class will be held at at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at Blue Folk Place, 3 Center Hill Road.

This class will cover preparation and freezing of berries, corn and produce from local gardens. The class is free and the public is invited. For further information, call Anna at 585-2299.

As part of an ongoing nutrition education program, Eileen Liddy of the Healthy Community Coalition presented a class July 30 in Weld, on the benefits of eating five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. This class was also offered through the Maine Nutrition Network “5-A-Day the Maine Way” grant.

The Electronic Grange Network is a not for profit corporation in Weld. An award-winning program serving low income, rural consumers, Electronic Grange has received awards from Kellogg Foundation, Maine Community Foundation and the ArcosCielos Research Center in Sedona, Ariz.

For more information contact 585-2299 or visit www.electronicgrange.net.