Commissary

Airmen 1st Class Brittany Musha and Courtney Taylor, and Airman Jasmine Staup guess the weight of a box of Idaho potatoes in an effort to win a fruit basket compiled by the base commissary at the nutritional information session on Jan. 13. Airman Jasmine Staup won the prize. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton)

Commissary

Airmen 1st Class Steven Coalson and Kyle Michaels, 16th Munitions Squadron maintenance technicians, sampled smoothies at the commissaries nutritional informational session Jan. 13. The Airman who guessed the most ingredients in the smoothie won an iPod. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton)

Base commissary holds informational tour for young Airmen

Published Jan. 22, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The base commissary had a produce department tour and information session for young Airmen Jan. 13.

The program was a collaboration of the Defense Commissary Agency working with the Department of Defense in an effort to emphasize to younger Airmen the importance of eating healthier and showing them what the commissary has to offer to promote healthier choices.

"A lot of the time when people are hungry, they'll just run in the shoppette and pick up a bag of chips or something quick," said John Nelson, commissary manager. "We're attempting to promote the commissary as another alternative for our young Airmen. By shopping here, they save money and have an opportunity to take advantage of the fresh products available to them."

The informational session highlighted the produce section, explaining the primary differences between organic and non-organic foods, and how each can be a healthier and positive addition to their dietary needs.

"The differences between organic and non-organic foods is very seldom explained or emphasized," Mr. Nelson said. "Organic foods aren't exposed to pesticides or insecticides and tend to be more vibrant in color. Those are just a few things we want to mention."

The session also included taste-testing, demonstrations, games and prizes. Vendors donated items such as a 23-inch flat screen television and two iPods, and the produce department put together a fruit basket to give away.

A Health and Wellness Center representative was also present to talk to the Airmen about the HAWC facility and different programs available to promote a healthier lifestyle.

"We have a lot to offer at the HAWC in terms of overall health, being fit for duty, and preparing for the overall PT tests," said Staff Sgt. Jeania Carbajal, 341st Medical Group diet therapist. "We can help Airmen formulate workouts, nutritional and diet plans, and even educate them on making healthier eating choices by substituting healthier food in their cooking."

Several Airmen from the First-Term Airman Center also attended the tour and informational.

"The tour was very informative and entertaining," said Airman 1st Class Justen Davis, a 341st Civil Engineering Squadron operations manager. "The commissary here operates at a higher standard, and therefore requires and sells the best quality food with the best possible selections. They're also sold at cheaper prices."

For more information about the commissary, call 731-9353, or the HAWC at 731-4292.