Government

Federal Dietary Guidelines Shift Focus to Whole Foods, Fewer Processed Ingredients

Published

4 months ago

January 8, 2026

The federal government has released updated Dietary Guidelines aimed at improving the health of Americans by promoting whole, nutrient-dense foods and reducing reliance on highly processed options.

According to the new guidance, Americans are encouraged to prioritize high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as the foundation of their diets. The guidelines also recommend limiting highly processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates, which have been linked to rising rates of obesity and chronic disease.

Officials say the updated guidelines are intended to reflect current nutrition science and provide clearer, more practical advice for families, schools, and federal food programs. The recommendations will help shape nutrition standards for school meals, military rations, and other government-supported programs.

The new approach places a stronger emphasis on “real food” and simpler dietary patterns, moving away from overly complex or heavily processed options that have dominated many American diets in recent decades.

More information about the updated guidelines is available at RealFood.gov.

Government

Rockland County Urges Water Conservation as Climate Change Impacts Supply

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management is encouraging residents to learn how climate change is affecting water availability and what steps they can take to protect the county’s supply.

Experts say climate change is increasingly being viewed as a water crisis, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns lead to stronger storms, flooding, and drought. Although water covers much of the planet, less than one percent of freshwater is readily available for human use, making conservation critical.

Rockland County depends entirely on local surface and groundwater sources to serve homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. As the population grows and climate conditions evolve, officials say responsible water use is essential to maintaining a stable supply.

“Protecting our water supply is essential to the long-term health and economic stability of Rockland County,” said Ed Day. “Education and conservation are key tools that help ensure our water resources remain reliable for future generations.”

💧 Simple Ways to Conserve Water

Residents can make a meaningful impact with small, everyday actions:

Fix household leaks promptly
Take shorter showers
Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
Use water-efficient appliances
Plant native or drought-tolerant landscaping
Water lawns and gardens efficiently

Reducing water use also lowers energy consumption, since energy is required to pump, treat, and heat water—helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials encourage residents to follow the task force online for updates, resources, and conservation tips. More information is available through the county’s water conservation program.

Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks and Minnows to Fight Summer Mosquitoes

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is giving residents two free tools to fight mosquitoes:

1. Mosquito Dunks®

Donut-shaped tablets placed in standing water
Kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults
Safe for use in:
- Unused/covered pools
- Hot tubs
- Other stagnant water containers

2. Fathead minnows

Small fish that eat mosquito larvae (up to ~200 per day each)
Good for:
- Unused pools
- Ornamental ponds
- Water sources with at least 8 inches of water