FORT LEE, Va. – Commissaries worldwide will be participating in National Kale Day, Oct. 5, as part of a weeklong promotion to highlight the vegetable as one of the most nutritious and versatile leafy greens.
The fall promotion, in commissaries Oct. 3-9, is a celebration of kale, “this decade’s green food extraordinaire,” said event cofounder Dr. Drew Ramsey.
“We’ve seen what we call the kale army of loyal followers grow over the years, but to now actually have the support of military members and their family members getting involved in National Kale Day is so exciting and more than I could have ever hoped for,” said Ramsey, noted psychiatrist, author and farmer. He is a leading advocate of dietary change to help balance moods, boost brain function and improve mental health.
Commissaries worldwide will host in-store events that will include demos and special promotions plus a variety of recipes including kale smoothies, stir-fry and salads. Posters will feature information about the National Kale Day website that has more recipes, special prizes and giveaways.
“The produce departments at all of our commissaries are focused on creating fresh displays, promoting the right items at the right price and providing store support for weekly produce items and seasonal products,” said Bridget Bennett, DeCA category manager for produce. “The promotion of National Kale Day is an exciting opportunity for not only our October merchandising calendar but to help promote health and wellness for all of our shoppers.”
National Kale Day is about community involvement and social sharing as farmers, retailers, brands and consumers connect, Ramsey said. “The focus of National Kale Day as a day-long celebration is about celebrating kale, but it’s also about conversations about healthy eating as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Lifestyle changes and wellness are some of the toughest yet often most-needed changes in people’s lives. Kale provides a lot of the essential nutrients and benefits that many people are lacking to be their healthiest self.”
For more information on National Kale Day, go to www.nationalkaleday.org .
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About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.
Source: DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency
