Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry Proclaims October Seafood Nutrition Partnership Month

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry proclaimed October as Seafood Nutrition Partnership Month to help promote the nutritional benefits of eating seafood, a plentiful food source in Northeast Florida.  Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP), a national nonprofit organization, and the city will host several events and activities throughout the month. “I am delighted to share in the observance of Seafood Nutrition Partnership Month,” says Mayor Lenny Curry, City of Jacksonville.  “The work that Nutrition Partnership is leading is of great benefit to our city and citizens; it highlights the quality seafood offerings of area merchants and restaurants while encouraging nutritional food options for healthy living.” Seafood is a healthy food choice for people of all ages, providing key nutrients for infants and children.  It is a good source of protein and the main source of the Omega-3 acids that promote healthy development in children and help build muscles and tissues.  Seafood also reduces the risk of heart disease in adults. The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recommend eating fish at least twice a week to lower the risk of death from coronary artery disease. “Florida is a great place to participate in activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.  Going for a walk on the beach, enjoying a beautiful sunset, grilling and eating fish are all things that promote our health,” says Dr. Judith Rodriguez, chair of nutrition and dietetics in the Brooks Health Department at the University of North Florida and SNP National Board Member.  “Seafood is a healthy choice because it provides protein and healthy fats.  It’s also versatile.  Be it in a salad, in a taco, pasta, or stew, there are many ways to enjoy seafood.  With simple planning it can be part of an economical and delicious dish.” Also during the press conference, celebrity chef Gina Neely shared tips about ways to prepare seafood economically and quickly, while maintaining a focus of healthy eating. Following the launch, several events are planned in the Jacksonville area, including Jacksonville Restaurant Seafood Week, Oct. 12-17, with area restaurants featuring special seafood dishes and discounts. “This is a great opportunity for our chefs to shine with the best of the best, working with one of Florida’s natural resources,” says Corkey Bergamo, Northeast Florida regional director, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Some of the most wonderful seafood dishes anywhere in this state are prepared right here in our own backyard. It’s an honor for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association to have such a great group of members willing to help get the message out about how healthy seafood really is.” Participating restaurants include: One Ocean and Ocean 60 in Atlantic Beach; North Beach Fish Camp in Neptune Beach; Marker 32 in Jacksonville Beach; Palm Valley Fish Camp in Ponte Vedra; Julington Creek Fish Camp, Lexington Hotel, The Blue Fish Oyster Bar, Biscotti’s, The Brick Restaurant, BlackFinn Ameripub, Beach Diner in Jacksonville; Junior’s Seafood in Jacksonville, Callahan and Yulee; Blue Bamboo, Jacksonville; Los Loros, Jacksonville; Terra & Aqua in St. Augustine Beach; and, Beech Street Bar & Grill and La Mancha in Fernandina. The SNP will also have a booth at the Southern Women’s Show in Jacksonville, Oct. 15-18, featuring free health screenings for Omega-3 levels, distribution of health education literature and recipes, with a call to action for everyone to take the Healthy Heart Pledge to eat at least two servings of seafood each week as recommended by the USDA Dietary Guidelines. This will support SNP’s goals to address the health risks associated with low seafood consumption through partners that provide health and nutrition guidance. “Our mission is to help Americans gain the skills and knowledge to buy, cook, and eat seafood as part of a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet and we are pleased to share this important information with the residents of Jacksonville,” says Linda Cornish, executive director of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership. Beacon Fisheries and Beaver Street Fisheries – two Jacksonville-based national seafood distributors – are also supporting the Seafood Nutrition Partnership mission. “Beaver Street Fisheries is thrilled to be a partner in this exciting effort to promote the nutritional benefits of seafood,” says Bluzette Carline, Beaver Street Fisheries director of marketing.  “We have been a proud distributor of seafood for more than 65 years, and we are firm believers in the health benefits our products provide.  Our family business has grown into a company with more than 400 employees dedicated to providing our community with the highest quality seafood available.  We are excited to continue this mission within the Seafood Nutrition Partnership.”