Healthy cooking demonstrations at U.P. State Fair

The 2014 Upper Peninsula State Fair opened in Escanaba a little less than an hour ago. One day from the fair’s week-long run is devoted to health.

Wednesday will be Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Day at the fair. The company is joining the Marquette Food Co-Op, the U.P. Children’s Museum and others that day to offer healthy cooking tips and suggestions on healthy living.

“All of us could be healthier — eat healthier, be more active,” Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan director of community responsibility Suzanne Allen said. “Through this sponsorship, we’re hoping to continue to promote that. We want to be supportive of the community and have healthier communities.”

Sarah Monte from the Food Co-Op will host healthy cooking demonstrations at the fair at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday. She even made one of the dishes that she’ll demonstrate for us. It’s spring rolls in a tapioca wrap, filled with shredded cabbage, lettuce, carrots and more.

“We have a lot of customers, and we hope they’ll stop by and see us,” Allen said. “We hope that people will try this recipe, the recipes, and say, ‘hey, I can make that at home. I can substitute some of the things maybe I shouldn’t be eating and try this’.”

The central U.P. chapter of the North Country Trail Hikers will also be there to talk about outdoor recreation activities. Blue Cross staff members will even be on hand to answer questions that any customers of theirs might have about their insurance coverage.