December 17, 2015

For many people, next week marks the time to bring on the Christmas cookies and treats. That’s followed by the beginning of a new year, when many people try to change their eating habits in hopes of a slimmer waistline and better health in general. Not all diets are created equal though. U.S. News & World Report in the past has put together a panel of experts to review some popular diets and give their recommendations. Katherine Beals, an associate professor with University of Utah Health Care’s Division of Nutrition, has served on that panel in the past and is available to talk about why the problem with “diets” may be in the concept itself. To schedule an interview, contact Libby Mitchell in the University of Utah Health Sciences Office of Public Affairs.
Phone: 801-587-0945| Email: libby.mitchell@hsc.utah.edu

October 30, 2015

Can eating bacon cause cancer? People across the country became concerned about their breakfast favorite when, on Oct. 26, the World Health Organization released a report announcing findings that eating processed meats like hot dogs, bacon and sausage raises the risk of colon cancer, and put the meats in the same cancer-causing classification as cigarettes and asbestos. Dr. Jewel Samadder, a gastroenterologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute, is available for interviews regarding this study, and can discuss how much processed meats can be consumed, if at all. To schedule an interview with Dr. Samadder, contact Linda Aagard, Director of Public Affairs, Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Linda Aagard Phone: 801-587-7639 | Email: linda.aagard@hci.utah.edu

August 21, 2015

Farmer’s Market

For the first time, the University of Utah Farmers Market, which begins Aug. 27, will offer two programs to help students and food stamp recipients purchase healthier, local food. The University of Utah Farmers Market, now in its eighth season, brings Utah-grown produce and locally made gifts to the center of campus. The market is open Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 27-Oct. 8, on Tanner Plaza, just west of the Union. The University of Utah Farmers Market aims to provide access to fresh produce, both physically and financially, to the campus and Salt Lake communities. To aid its mission, the market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits. This year, the market will also offer Double Up Food Bucks and Double Your Dollars programs, which will provide additional funding to SNAP recipients and students to purchase more produce and nutritional food. These two programs will benefit communities traditionally underserved when it comes to the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables. Programs to double up funds for SNAP beneficiaries are part of a national food justice trend. Representatives from the U’s Sustainability are available to talk about the initiatives.

Sarah Lappe, communication and outreach coordinator at U Sustainability Office| Phone: 801-585-9352| Email: sarah.lappe@utah.edu

Ayrel Clark-Proffitt, campus engagement coordinator at U Sustainability Office |Phone: 801-581-7506, ayrel.clark@utah.edu