4th of july

Fireworks, parades, music, family and friends, and summer weather make up the ambiance of the 4^th of July. Food is also at the forefront of the All-American celebration. Classic picnic favorites, such as juicy hamburgers, grilled chicken, delicious coleslaws and potato salads, and fresh fruit desserts, are often found at 4^th of July parties. Are you getting hungry yet? With the help of the USDA’s new MyPlate icon and coordinating messages, you can make your 4^th of July plate a healthy plate.

Making your plate half fruits and vegetables is easy with the abundant amount of fruits and vegetables available during the summer. If you’re hosting a cookout, you can try grilling broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, onions, or corn on the cob. Add sliced watermelon or a fruit salad with cantaloupe, strawberries and blackberries to the menu for a refreshing snack. With some smart shopping it’s possible to fit fruits and vegetables into any budget.

This 4^th of July is a good time to celebrate the values and ideals that make this nation great.

Americans enjoy incredible freedoms and limitless opportunity.  We can say what we like, and worship how we believe.  This nation gives us the freedom and support we need to seek a good education, work hard, retire comfortably and achieve the American dream.

And even when the rhetoric from partisan politicians can seem angry or over-the-top, we have a system of government that holds honest elections and respects the will of voters.