Month: January 2017

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Our Potatoes Pack A Healthy Punch

The mighty spud packs a powerful punch when it comes to nutrition. Potatoes are an important food staple, available to Canadians year round, with a number of health benefits. Potatoes are great sources of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that ward off disease and benefit human health.

Ontario Potato Distribution (Alliston) Inc’s (OPDI) potatoes do more than taste great and supply your body with much needed nutrition. They are also grown right here in Central Ontario, in some of the most fertile land the area has to offer. You can feel good about our potatoes, because they’re grown locally, too.

Potatoes are such a delicious way to get the energy your body needs it’s no wonder they are a kitchen staple. They are a good source of potassium (more than bananas!) providing carbohydrates and energy to fuel the mind and body throughout the day. As sources of calcium, and magnesium they have been found to naturally decrease blood pressure as well as maintain bone structure and strength.

Potatoes are also a source of Vitamin B6 which contributes to the formation of virtually all new cells in the body, including brain cells. In addition, potatoes contain significant amounts of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.

As a source of fibre they also contribute to regularity and maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Dietary fibers are also important when it comes to weight management and weight-loss. They increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller for longer and thereby lowering overall calorie intake. It is important to remember however that most of the fibre comes from the potato skins.

Vitamin C can also be found in potatoes. It is an essential nutrient as well as a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells against free radical damage. Vitamin C is also necessary for collagen production which is the skin’s support system that promotes elasticity, smoothes wrinkles and improves overall texture.

Naturally, we can deduce from all of this that potatoes are good for the heart, body and mind, so bake, roast, shred, mash, scallop, or steam them to enjoy all their health benefits!

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For the Love of the Game

For the Love of the Game: 40 Years of Supporting House League Hockey

If it’s one thing that could be said about the Cappuccitti family, it’s their love of the sport of hockey. And, judging by the 40 years of memorabilia that bears the Ontario Potato name, it’s multi-generational, starting from Gordon Cappuccitti’s support of his son, Danny.

Since the 1970’s the family has supported the West Mall Hockey Association (WMHA) every year, contributing to the house league program, and ensuring that the team was outfitted, and that all the kids had the equipment they needed to play.

According to the WMH Association President, Rich Terneiden, “Danny Cappuccitti has always been there, and is still there to support the kids. He makes hockey a sport available to all kids.”

There’s a long history of the OPDI name within the WMHA, but it doesn’t just end with Danny Cappuccitti. Even senior staff member John Giordano has coached the team for many years, helping kids excel at the sport.

“We are always proud to give to this cause, which contributes to the spirit of community, and continues to enrich families in many ways,” says Cappuccitti, “Sport helped me to excel in many areas of my life, and the lessons learned on the ice and the friends I have made along the way have served me well.”

The West Mall Minor Hockey Association has offered minor hockey house league and competitive programs to youth from Etobicoke and neighbouring communities for over 40 years. Initially, the Association ran its hockey games out of the outdoor twin rinks on West Mall Avenue just south of Burnamthorpe Rd. In the early 1970s, West Mall moved its home ice to the newly-constructed Centennial Arena and was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation with a charter and by-laws, which continue to govern the organization today.

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Supporting Community Outreach with BWAN

In 1992, Bleeker/Wellesley Activity Network (BWAN) founder Vicky Rennie saw a need in her community and promptly filled it. Years later, she is still filling that need, with an ever-growing network of community members who rely on her organization to fill their days with purpose.

This year, during the holidays, she expects to feed over 90 seniors and adults with disabilities, as well as provide comfort and companionship to some of our city’s most isolated citizens. And in return, she enjoys the lively conversation and friendships found within.

The BWAN is a volunteer-based organization committed to providing seniors with a feeling of safety, caring and independence. Their focus is on building community awareness to help vulnerable residents develop friendships and get involved in outside activities, contributing to their overall health and safety. This focus is a means of empowering seniors and the physically or mentally disabled. By helping them establish relationships through community events and buddy systems, they feel less isolated and more self-assured. BWAN is committed to accessibility and equity for all its members, offering a welcoming environment that celebrates and honors diversity.

Over the years the organization has received both community and government funding to grow the program that provides full, hot, heart-healthy lunches to seniors and the disabled. They have engaged a number of volunteers (a number of which are certified food handlers) that help bring together members (who are residents of the community) for two meals per month as well as provide them with a week’s worth of fresh produce. In addition to the meal program, BWAN also organizes other activities for its members such as excursions, forums and classes.

Fresh produce, specifically potatoes, is where the connection with Ontario Potato Dist. (Alliston) 1991 (OPDI) is made. Eight years ago, Vicky purchased a bag of potatoes from a local grocer that ended up being a bad batch. Rather than go back to the retailer she contacted OPDI directly providing her very honest (and angry) feedback. In response, company president, Danny Cappuccitti responded to her personally, calling to listen to her story. After learning more about her organization and its mission, along with her commitment to the community, he became involved.

“I was personally touched by Vicky’s story,” said Danny Cappuccitti, of the encounter, “After a long conversation a friendship was formed, and we have been honoured to contribute to the BWAN for the past 2 decades.”

For the past eight years, OPDI has support the incredible efforts of BWAN by donating 200 lbs. of Champion-brand potatoes a month. The potatoes are used for the meals as well as given directly to members.