Feeding America aims to serve more fruits and vegetables
Feeding America food banks have pledged to increase distribution of fruits and vegetables from about one third to nearly half of the total pounds of food distributed.
Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks, announced its commitment to help increase access to healthy food at the Partnership for a Healthier America’s sixth annual Building a Healthier Future Summit in Washington D.C., according to a news release.
Last year, Feeding America distributed more than four billion pounds of food last fiscal year to 46 million people, one-third of it fresh produce.
In its commitment to the Partnership for a Healthier America, Feeding America plans to work on increasing distribution of fruits and vegetables to close to half of the total pounds of food distributed.
“People struggling with food insecurity face the burden of not only getting enough to eat, but also accessing nutrient-rich foods that promote health and help reduce risk of chronic disease,” Diana Aviv, CEO of Feeding America, said in the release. “Our partnership with (the Partnership for a Healthier America) underscores our ongoing commitment to the health of the people who turn to charitable assistance to put food on the table.”
A study by Feeding America revealed that more than half of the households who are helped by food banks have at least one member with high blood pressure. according to the release. The study said one third of the total households surveyed have a member with diabetes.
“People receiving assistance from Feeding America’s network of food banks rely on them to ensure their families get the nutrition they need,” Larry Soler, president and CEO of the Partnership for a Healthier America, said in the release. “We are proud to partner with this vital organization to ensure that when our friends and neighbors find themselves vulnerable to food insecurity, the food banks and pantries they turn to provide the kind of nourishment — including fresh fruits and vegetables — that contributes to their health and wellness.”
