National Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Month

June is National Fruit and Vegetables Month, a perfect opportunity to highlight the role fresh produce plays in building healthier communities. At UF HealthStreet, we are committed to improving access to nutritious foods and empowering individuals and families to make informed, healthy choices.

Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that support heart health, strengthen the immune system, and help reduce the risk of chronic disease. Simple choices like adding fresh fruit to breakfast, incorporating vegetables into meals, or choosing produce-based snacks—can make a meaningful impact over time.

This month, we are proud to highlight our growing community partnerships that makes eating more fruits and vegetables accessible across Gainesville. Through our recent collaboration with the Gainesville Giving Garden, HealthStreet is helping connect community members with fresh, locally grown produce while supporting sustainable food initiatives. In addition, our H.O.P.E. Food Pantry continues to serve as Alachua County's only healthy pantry located within a clinic setting, providing community members with convenient access to nutritious food options alongside health resources and support.

Below is the self-reported food insecurity and access to fresh fruits or vegetables among HealthStreet members since June 2025. Over the past 12 months, 42% of HealthStreet members reported not having access to fresh fruit or vegetables or the money for needed food. 

UF HealthStreet partners with Gainesville Giving Garden

UF HealthStreet has partnered with the Gainesville Giving Garden to expand access to fresh, locally grown produce for community members. Through this collaboration, the Gainesville Giving Garden will donate fruits and vegetables to HealthStreet’s H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Eat) Food Pantry, strengthening efforts to address food security in Gainesville.

The volunteer-led Gainesville Giving Garden grows food specifically to give back to the community, supporting organizations that promote health, well-being and equitable access to nutritious food.

Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Here’s how to roast vegetables with the best seasoning blend! These epic roasted vegetables fill two sheet pans and take 30 minutes to roast. 

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower (2 pounds)
• 1 crown broccoli (1/2 pound)
• 1 medium red onion
• 2 medium sweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 red pepper
• 1 yellow pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning*
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  

1. Adjust the oven racks for roasting 2 trays. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Chop the vegetables: Chop the cauliflower and broccoli into florets. Chop the onion into 1/2-inch slices. Cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise, in half again lengthwise, and then cut each quarter into thin pie-shaped slices (see the photo). Chop the peppers into 1/2-inch strips, then cut the strips in half.
3. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (we prefer this to silicone baking mats because it results in crispier veggies). Spread the vegetables evenly onto each sheet. Drizzle half the olive oil onto each tray, then with half the seasonings onto each tray. Mix with your hands until evenly coated.
4. Place into the oven and bake for 20 minutes (do not stir!). Remove the pans from the oven, rotate them, and roast another 10 minutes (for 30 minutes total) until tender and lightly browned on one side. Transfer to a serving bowl or dish and serve immediately.
   

• "Our bodies are our gardens; our wills are our gardeners.” - William Shakespear

• “Every time you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it.” – Heather Morgan

• “To change our eating habits, we must learn to eat mindfully, being more aware of chewing and tasting what we eat so that the brain can register the incoming nutrients.” - John M. Poothullil
  

NARCAN® Saves Lives

Narcan Nasal Spray may counteract the life-threatening effects of an opioid overdose. Since most accidental overdoses occur in a home setting, it was developed for family, friends, and caregivers - with no medical training required.

HealthStreet has partnered with Florida Department of Children and Families to distribute NARCAN® in our community. Call 352-294-4880 today to get your own NARCAN® Nasal Spray at no charge to you.

Consider Donating to HealthStreet

Together, we can make a difference!

Your donation will directly support essential services and truly make a difference in our community. Every dollar you contribute helps us take steps towards reducing disparities that affect so many.

Just imagine the impact of your generosity: for $25, you can provide 15 personal care items, ensuring dignity and basic hygiene for those in need. With $50, we can purchase 16 daily bus passes to RTS, giving individuals reliable transportation to access vital jobs, healthcare, and services. And with $100, we can fuel the vehicles that our Community Health Workers use with 25 gallons of gasoline, enabling them to reach those in need and provide critical referrals and support.

We are also asking for direct donations of personal care items such as: shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, body wash, shaving kits & cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, floss, pads, tampons, disposable wipes, hairbrushes and diapers.

Another way that you can make an impact in our community is by donating to the HealthStreet Clothing Closet! There is an ongoing need of the following items: men's clothing, women's clothing, children's clothing, baby clothing.

Clothing and personal care items can be directly donated at our HealthStreet location anytime between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, so we can place these items into the hands of those who need them.

Let’s join forces and create an extraordinary impact together!

Thank you for your kindness!