Did you know…
The food most accessible to low-income families is junk food, full of calories and devoid of nutrition. A child from a food insecure family might eat fast food one night and nothing the next. Breakfast is a bag of chips – and that’s it for the day. Junk food quiets the stomach rumbling, but it leads to lifelong health problems.
The coexistence of hunger and obesity is threatening the health of our children and costing our state billions in health and education.
The Salvation Army is reconsidering how to alleviate a problem with no end in sight: hunger.
From the very beginning of our organizational history over 150 years ago, we’ve provided emergency food resources through food pantries, soup kitchens, home delivered meals, homeless outreach and mass holiday feedings. But so often, the food most readily available to the poor lacks in nutritional value what it makes up for in shelf life and cost. “Junk food” is a temporary fix to abject hunger that can sadly complicate and create chronic health problems – like obesity and diabetes – leading to more crises and expense for those already disadvantaged.
Feeding Families for Life: Fighting Hunger the Healthy Way initiative is so much more than a handout or an occasional hot meal: it’s a fresh perspective on reducing hunger in healthy ways.
- Fresh produce, lean proteins, and other healthy meal options will be regularly available in our food pantries, soup kitchens and feedings during programs.
- Nutrition, healthful eating and cooking classes will be offered at the Family Caring Center, Camp Allegheny and other Salvation Army locations.
- Families will learn how to budget and afford healthy food choices for every day meal planning.
- Salad bars will become a fixture and focal point at many of our centers, used for weekly feedings and afterschool programs.
Feeding Families for Life considers the whole family, holistically inspiring and empowering each generation to not only feel full, but to also feel…and do…better. The goal of the initiative is to empower the people we serve to be healthier by exposure to more wholesome food choices.
