If you have donated to a food pantry, then thank you! If it has been a while or if you have never made a donation, consider dropping off some items this spring.
Many generous people come forward around Thanksgiving and Christmas to donate food or whole meals, which is wonderful, but people in your community experience food insecurity every month of the year.
As a donor, give some thought to the nutrition value of what you donate to food pantries.
Although it seems counterintuitive, obesity and food insecurity are linked. Food insecurity means not having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. When someone is food insecure, they might not have access to healthy food, and they often choose inexpensive calorie-dense foods over healthy options (think mac and cheese.)
All of these factors lead to nutrient deficiencies and obesity, and consequently to diabetes and heart disease.
When choosing canned goods to donate, look for those with no added sugar or salt.
Whole-grain pasta and cereal are healthy choices. Watch out for boxed pasta and rice “helper” meals, which are usually very high in sodium.
Not sure where to donate? Go to the Hunger Free Dallas County website and click “get involved.”
Ann Cochran is the Health Navigation Coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
