Lake City-based Hunger Intervention Program (HIP) works to bring food to local families and now seniors through its Healthy HIP Packs Program, meal programs, and by advocating for our hungry neighbors.

HIP’s volunteers and staff are back at North Helpline Food Bank each week, showing how to make healthy dishes easy and delicious. Check back here on The HIP Stockpot for new recipes each week.

Fruit N’ Greens Smoothie
Makes 1 smoothie

Have you ever tried adding vegetables to your smoothies? Made with a good ratio of fruits to vegetables, you can’t even taste the vegetables! What a great way for kids, and adults, to enjoy their veggies. The great thing about a smoothie is that it is incredibly flexible. You can use whatever fruits and liquids you like, have in the kitchen, or are available at the food bank. Test the waters with leafy greens like spinach, collards, or kale.

Ingredients
1/5 – 1 cup milk or yogurt (or other liquids like juice water, soy milk, etc)
1 cup fresh or frozen “creamy” fruit, like banana, mango, apple, or pear
1 cup fresh or frozen “water-rich” fruit, like berries, orange, or pineapple
A large handful of leafy greens, like spinach, collars, or kale
Ice, optional

Directions

1. Pour milk, or liquid of your choice, into a blender. Add the fruits and leafy greens. Cover with blender lid and pulse to combine.
2. If blender stops turning, add a little more liquid.
3. If you prefer a very cold and icy smoothie, add some ice.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Enjoy!

Check out some of our other favorite recipes here.