Healthy Choices – Good for You!

            A new program with the focus on providing healthy food choices and nutrition information to our clients is underway at the Pantry under the direction of Katy Galton, a registered dietitian.  The program, funded by a Kraft Foods Employee Grant, provides funds to purchase fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein.  The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends eating a variety of foods from these groups for better health.  The program also includes nutrition education for our clients which is provided in a variety of ways.  Clients receive  information on  the relationship between diet and  good health  and practical tips on how to incorporate healthy habits in their lifestyle as well as information on specific health issues including hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease.  Recipes and samples which include healthy food preparation techniques and ingredients available at the Food Pantry are provided.

            When you make food donations to the Pantry, keep in mind the needs of our clients.  As in the general population, some of our clients have high blood pressure, diabetes, and are trying to control their weight.  Look for vegetables with no salt added, low- sodium or no-salt added tomatoes, low sodium soups, 100% fruit juice,  fruit that is packed in juice, jams with no added sugar, whole grain pasta, and  whole grain cereals such as shredded wheat,  wheat chex, cheerios, and raisin bran.