We hear it all the time: A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, and have a positive effect on blood sugar. And because we know that people facing food insecurity experience these kinds of diet-related conditions at higher rates, at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, we believe that everyone should have access to nutritious food, including fresh produce.
We invite you to follow along, as we share how, together with our food donors, partner agencies, and you, Second Harvest is Preventing Food Waste, Feeding People, and Supporting Health through the distribution of fresh produce.
In the "early days," food banks like ours weren't set up to accommodate and move fresh foods. Today, all that has changed. Recognizing that food insecurity is a critical public health challenge, our food bank prioritizes acquiring nutrient-dense foods, including fresh produce, to support families and nourish our community.
We're well into the second week of the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign and sharing about our work Preventing Food Waste, Feeding People, and Supporting Health through a series of brief videos.
In the video released today, Lisa Richardson, Vice President of Operations for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, highlights the significant amount of produce that passes through our doors. This produce then goes on to reach children, seniors, and families via our partner food pantries and our Mobile Nutrition Services program, which travels throughout the region, providing access to fresh produce and impactful, actionable nutrition education.
Transportation challenges, whether related to access to a vehicle, inadequate infrastructure, or long distances and lengthy times to reach needed services, directly impact community members' experiences with food insecurity and health issues. It's why programs that go to where people are, including Second Harvest's Mobile Nutrition Services unit, are so vitally important.
This is the third week of our Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign and sharing about our work Preventing Food Waste, Feeding People, and Supporting Health through a series of brief videos.
In the video released today, Kina Charles, Director of Nutrition Services for Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, highlights the work and impact of our Nutrition Service's mobile unit, which travels the 18 counties served by Second Harvest Food Bank.
Food insecurity and health go hand-in-hand. When people are struggling economically, it is not uncommon to have to sacrifice quality or variety or even skip meals to make ends meet. After all, while most household expenses are fixed, the grocery bill is not.
The results can be devastating, with increased risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer; trouble in school for children and teens; and increased stress and poor mental health.
Second Harvest's Nutrition Services team uses various approaches to support healthy lives and healthy communities, collaborating with community groups and our partner food assistance agencies, including ONE STEP FURTHER, INC., featured in this week's video, the final installment in our Preventing Food Waste, Feeding People, and Supporting Health series, coming to you as part of this year's Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign.
Susan Cox, Program Director of One Step Further's Community Support and Nutrition Program, says she is seeing people make positive changes in their lives with the support of produce and programming from Second Harvest, plus an onsite case manager and dietician at her agency. These professionals dedicate themselves to working with the 40 percent of individuals served by the agency who struggle with food insecurity and significant diet-related health concerns.
LIKE OUR WORK?
Now through April 29, 2024, we invite you to support the Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign with Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs in ways that are meaningful to you. Learn how here.
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