4 Friday, June 14, 2024 brooklintowncrier.com Back when I studied marketing, one of my courses was retail marketing and I often think about it when visiting grocery stores. In addition to retail profit margins, we learned about tactics such as placing items at the ends of the aisle to give the impression of them being on sale. Also, why do grocery stores always have customers enter through the fruit and vegetable section? It's because there tend to be higher profit margins on these items. Attracted by the vibrant colours of fruits and vegetables, customers tend to overbuy due to guilt about not consuming enough of them. Freezing produce I'm one who sometimes buys more fruits and vegetables than I can consume before they go bad. To avoid waste, I freeze the extra produce. I have freezer bags filled with raspberries, blackberries, watermelon, and bananas, which I use in smoothies throughout the week. Freezing not only prevents wastage but also makes for a quick and easy breakfast. I also freeze spinach and kale to use in smoothies, curries, and pasta dishes. I prefer freezing kale in small pieces as it tends to become a bit slimy when frozen. This time of year marks the beginning of the vegetable season. At the Whitby farmers market, I purchased fresh romaine lettuce, which turned out to be the best I've ever had and made a vegan Caesar salad with it. I always look forward to the opening of Stroud's farm, where I shop every Sunday morning to buy fresh vegetables, especially their corn. Home delivery There are several ways to ensure you consume enough vegetables, such as signing up for home delivery services that provide fresh produce weekly. I'm motivated to eat what I purchase because I dislike wasting food. The variety in the subscription fruit and veggie box introduces me to produce I wouldn't normally buy. Like most people, I tend to be habitual in my purchases. If your veggies or fruit start to look tired, consider creating freezer smoothie packs. You can freeze half a banana, a cup of berries, and a cup of spinach in a small freezer bag or recyclable container. In the morning, simply throw the contents into your high-speed blender with a cup of water, or nut milk, and you'll have a super-fast smoothie, ideal for a quick and nutritious breakfast. I often add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to my smoothies. Berry smoothie Half a banana A cup of mixed berries A tablespoon of two seeds A cup of spinach. Mango smoothie A cup of frozen mango Half a banana Pineapple Kale The combinations are endless. My grandson and I make smoothies all the time and we experiment. Sheree's hack: Did you know you can wash freezer bags and use them repeatedly? You can also freeze in mason jars. Plant-based eating Retail secrets by Sheree Nicholson St. Leo's Fundraises For Whitby Hospice Students in the St. Leo Catholic School Craft Club made rainbow loom bracelets and sold them as a fundraiser in support of the Whitby Hospice, Roger Anderson House. They were excited to present their donation to Joyce Marshall, Board Member and Tanya McPherson, Donor Relations and Communications Manager. Throughout the month of June, any donations made directly to the Whitby Hospice will receive a bracelet from St. Leo students in the mail. Congratulations to all craft club students and facilitator, Principal Angela Rancourt, on this initiative to support individuals in our community!