Community meal providers and diners are happy about the healthier dinners that the Agape Community Center recently started to offer.

The center has taken the lead in upgrading the nutritional value of community meals by asking its 19 volunteer providers to substitute lower fat meats, such as turkey for beef, and adding more whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruits. Agape also asked providers to eliminate fat- and sugar-laden desserts.

Churches, synagogues and businesses are among the groups who buy, cook and serve dinners at the center on a rotating schedule.

These changes are the most recent in a series of adjustments the center has made over the last several years to promote healthy eating and combat the national obesity epidemic. Agape’s surveys of meal recipients have shown a desire for healthier food, according to the center’s executive director, Ann Bachrach.

The Oconomowoc Winter Farmers Market recently released its season dates. During the 2010- 2011 winter season the indoor winter farmersmarket was such a success that both organizations have agreed to offer more markets this winter season. The markets will run on the second and fourth Sunday of the month beginning on November 13th through April 1st, 2012.

The indoor winter market will be held at Oconomowoc Landscape Supply and Garden Center in their Greenhouse (N68 W37850 County Trunk K, Oconomowoc WI 53066). The Winter Market hours for the 2011-2012 season will run from 9:30am to 1:30pm and each market includes a variety of educational programs (chef demonstrations, Ask the Expert and environmental education). These programs are back by popular demand and are FREE for the public.