DECEMBER 2008: HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM THE MANN PACKING COMPANY!



Mann Packing is looking forward to celebrating its 70th year in 2009, as a family owned and operated grower- shipper. Cy Mann, started this company in 1939, later joined by his partners Bill Ramsey and Don Nucci. Today the company is going strong with the Ramsey's and the Nucci's still at the helm, and actively running the operations at Mann Packing Company.

As we celebrate the holiday season of 2008 and look forward to celebrating 2009, all of the employees at Mann Packing Company, along with the Ramsey's and the Nucci's would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday.

Mann's Holiday Recipes & Serving Alternatives
The holidays are full of family, friends, shopping and parties. Tis the season to have fudge, cookies, and all types of sweets. At best it is difficult to say no to all of the goodies being offered at both home and the office. And it's even harder to take the time to prepare a healthy meal.

We have put together a few alternatives that may help you skate through the holidays with a little less baggage on New Years.

Breakfast : Mann's Bacon, Egg & Sweet Potato Scrambler. A breakfast boost to start off your busy holiday schedule. 8 servings of goodness at 140 calories each! Recipe

Lunch: Mann's Broccolini, Sugar Snap Pea Caprese Salad. This one has all of the rich savory flavor you will need to get you through until dinnertime. Recipe

Dinner: Mann's Confetti Meatballs. These are just one example of the versatility of our Broccoli Cole Slaw. Every time we serve these at an event people line up for seconds and thirds! They are great with a side of veggies (8 servings, 110 calories each) for dinner, added in with your favorite pasta or an old fashioned meatball sandwich. After a hard day of holiday rushing this recipe is very satisfying. Recipe Read Complete Article

Think Holiday Green With Mann's Broccolini
Several companies are coming out with there own version of "Baby Broccoli". Don't be confused, because those products are not the same as Broccolini® ™. This unique vegetable was developed 10 years ago and is the only registered, trademarked item that is truly Broccolini ® ™. Mann Packing Co is the only authorized grower/distributor of Broccolini ® ™

Broccolini is a perfect addition to any holiday meal. Try our Luca Broccolini that adds a little spice to this peppery favorite.Recipe

Other Broccolini® ™ recipes are available at Broccolini Recipes

Hunger in America & Holiday Sharing
Recent studies from the US Agricultural Department show that in America there was a 50% increase in children that went hungry in 2007. That number has increased to 691,000 children. 2006 showed a figure of 430,000 children that went to bed hungry. This is the largest figure since 1998 of 716,000. Currently 36.2 million adults and children in America struggle with hunger each day. With our sharp economic downturns this year, the figure is certain to grow by 2009.

Last month we tried to bring the obesity problem in America to your attention. Although the hunger issue seems to be just the opposite we are learning that low income families struggling with hunger buy more rice, beans and cheese that healthy produce and other healthy products. This is contributing to a diet high in fat and cholesterol when food is available.

What can you do to help? Read Complete Article

Broccoli may inhibit lung cancer
Broccoli compound may inhibit lung cancer from tobacco smoke: Study By Stephen Daniells, 08-Dec-2008.

A compound found in broccoli may help protect against lung cancer in smokers, according to results of a study with mice. Although expert advice is clearly to avoid tobacco smoke altogether, the results suggest smokers could benefit from upping their intake of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower that contain the compound indole-3-carbinol (I3C).
Read Complete Article

Tips for December
*Fruit and Vegetables More Matters Official Site is an excellent place to find Healthy Resources; Shopping Tips; Ideas to excite kids to eat more fruits and veggies. They also have a section for educators to access tools for the classroom to promote better health.

*Increasing your dinner side dish to 2 cups of steamed or raw broccoli helps fill you up with less than 60 calories.

* Keep a sense of humor when the relatives arrive for the holidays and be happy they are not the "Griswolds". Staying light hearted and remembering to laugh is a great stress reliever.

The Women & Men Behind Mann!
Mann Employee Profile
Employee Profile: Ricardo Rodriguez, Shipping Manager

As shipping manager at Mann Packing, Ricardo Rodriguez is responsible for managing all materials that come into and ship out of the Salinas plant.

That can be a pressure-packed job, Ricardo said, especially for someone who could barely speak English when he started with the company in 1986. "That speaks for itself," Ricardo said. "This company has given me so many opportunities." Read Complete Article

No matter which holiday you are celebrating in the month of December, may your hearts be happy and filled with kindness. May your expectations for the new year come true. And may your plate never be empty. All of the staff at Mann Packing Company wish you all the best health possible for the coming year. Please let us know if you have any questions or would like a particular subject adderssed. Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Susan Cameron
Mann Packing Co.
Fresh Vegetables Made Easy!