Hello, my name is Nikki Santillo. I am interning with the New Haven County farmer’s market. I am a rising junior majoring in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Food Science. In the fall semester, I was able to connect with an after school program the nutrition club supported. I helped inform the children about healthy decision making while preparing nutritious snacks. I hope to return and be a full time participant in the Nutrition Club this coming year.

My role with the New Haven County farmer’s market is to educate farmer’s market attendees about healthy, affordable recipes to create using the produce at the market. I am generating social media posts that are available to the public on UConn Extension’s multiple social media platforms. My goal is to explain how fruits and vegetables are important for our health and can be tailored to the individual’s taste. My first recipe, cauliflower fried rice, focuses on how vegetables can be used to increase the nutrient density of a typical dish. I enjoy finding new and healthy substitutions using fresh foods.

The Meriden farmer’s market opens July 11th and is held every Saturday up until October 17th. I encourage everyone nearby to go and support local farmers while also developing a healthy lifestyle.