Although it may seem like common sense to most people, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is critical to positive physical and mental health. During the first couple of weeks, our students start to acclimate to outdoor life at True North. For many students, the daily routine at True North is very different from their lives at home. They begin and end each day with a nutritious meal, track their water intake and exercise, and get the proper amount of sleep each night. The energy and mental clarity that our students experience is a direct result of taking good care of their bodies and the diverse diet at True North provides students with the necessary fuel to get into great physical shape.
Over the years our menu has been carefully developed to accommodate the seasonal hiking model and incorporate as much local fare as possible. In the summertime, True North is part of a Mad River Valley farm Community Supported Agriculture or “CSA” program. Each week we pick up large grocery bags full of the organic fruits and vegetables that are locally grown and distribute them to the groups. Each season we taste a wide variety of lettuces, spinach, potatoes, squash, carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes. In addition to local produce, we also source organic beef, pork, chicken and eggs. These products are used by the Young Adult students for their weekly cooking classes. Not only are our students able to enjoy these amazing ingredients, they are able to learn about the benefits of eating local foods. We are so fortunate to have many incredible food sources in the Mad River Valley and hope to continue our support of these farms.
In addition to local foods, students enjoy plenty of earthy grains and high calorie foods that are specific to backpacking. With calorie dense foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables, the diet here at True North provides students with complete meals that are healthy and also downright tasty! It always amazes parents when their child actually speaks highly of the True North menu and shares how much they enjoy the quinoa dinners! If there is one thing that builds up an appetite it is a long day hiking, and food always tastes better on the trail!
It is our intention that students leave True North with a better sense of proper nutrition, how to plan and prepare well-rounded meals and an appreciation for the effects of healthy eating on their body and mind.
