NextStop Blog

If you’re looking to jazz up your next meal or make it more nutritious, we’ve got the perfect event series for you.

Nutritionists from the University of Missouri Extension will conduct monthly food demonstrations – starting next week – at two Metro transit center locations to reinforce the recently launched fresh food kiosk program’s focus on nutrition and healthy food options. Weather permitting, these demonstrations will occur at the Link Markets:

North Hanley Transit Center | 4398 Hanley Rd.

Wednesday, December 20 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Wellston Transit Center | 6402 Plymouth Ave.

Thursday, December 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“If Metro riders and people from the surrounding neighborhoods like the taste of the food prepared during the demonstrations, they will be more apt to purchase Link Market products and prepare it at home,” said Leslie Bertsch, a University of Missouri Extension Nutrition and Health Education Specialist. “When a consumer learns how to fix fresh vegetables and fruits and knows how the dish will taste, they are more likely to enjoy it as part of a nutritious home-cooked meal.”

A vegetable hash will be the first recipe featured during the December food demonstrations. The hash is made from carrots, potatoes and onions, all of which are available for purchase at very affordable prices at the Link Market. Samples of the vegetable hash will be offered at the conclusion of each food demonstration.

“Since riders have the opportunity to try some of the food before they make a purchase, it will help reduce any fear they may have about wasting their money on something they may not even enjoy eating,” she said.

“Our hope is riders see the Link Market as a healthy convenience,” said John Wagner, Director of the Bi-State Development Research Institute. “The Bi-State Development Research Institute has partnered with the University of Missouri Extension so that nutritionists may use fresh food from the kiosks to create dishes that Metro riders and nearby residents may taste and possibly become inspired to make themselves.”

The Link Market food kiosk pilot program is the result of a partnership with the Bi-State Development Research Institute, a non-profit enterprise of Bi-State Development, and the Missouri Foundation for Health, which is funding the program through a nearly $584,000 grant.

In 2018, the University of Missouri Extension nutritionists will provide education sessions on one Thursday a month at the Wellston Transit Center and on one Wednesday a month at the North Hanley Transit Center, weather permitting. You’ll be able to ask questions and learn more about food nutrition, health eating, and how to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your meals while staying on budget.

“Our overall mission at the University of Missouri Extension is to educate Missourians,” Bertsch said. “We certainly see the food demonstrations at the Link Market as an opportunity to educate riders and area residents about healthy eating, an important factor to one’s overall health.”

The new Link Market food kiosks at the North Hanley and Wellston Transit Centers offer fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthy food staples for purchase. The kiosks are open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and accept cash, credit and EBT payments.