This Birmingham group wants to swap your junk food for a bag of fresh local vegetables

If you are looking to freshen up your diet, this weekend provides the perfect opportunity. A nutrition-focused online group is launching an initiative this Saturday in Birmingham that allows residents to swap out processed junk food for a bag of fresh, locally grown vegetables.

The Junk for Fresh Exchange

Birmingham residents are encouraged to clean out their pantries and bring their processed snacks to Railroad Park this Saturday for the inaugural “Junk for Fresh” event. In a direct swap, participants will receive a $20 bag of fresh produce. According to Kathleen Moore, spokesperson for the hosting group ChooseU, this new effort is designed to make healthy living more accessible while supporting the local agricultural economy.

Community and Collaboration

ChooseU, an online community dedicated to encouraging healthy habits across Alabama, is partnering with Sweet Grown Alabama to source the fresh goods. By bringing local farmers into the fold, the organization hopes to remove the intimidation and high costs often associated with healthy eating.

Making Healthy Simple

The initiative goes beyond just providing ingredients. Attendees will receive recipe cards to help turn their fresh produce into nutritious meals, and the event will feature video demonstrations from a local chef to guide participants through the process. “We’re all about progress and supporting one another along the way,” Moore noted regarding the organization's mission.

The event is scheduled to take place at Railroad Park on June 13, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.