Tis the season when most American’s thoughts go to family and gifts and often to giving to those in need. Food drives are common and in company offices and community events as an easy way for everyone to participate in making a difference. Yet it is all too common for well-meaning people to simply clean their cupboards of their own less-than-desirable packaged goods, or to hit the dollars stores as a way to fill the donation bins without too much of a hit in their own wallets.
Unfortunately, as noted in SuperFood Drive Boosts Health, Fights Hunger, many of these items tend to be processed and packed with sugar, sodium, fat and chemicals; not the ideal ingredients when attempting to fight malnutrition, obesity and chronic diseases.
In an attempt to improve the nutritional quality of food donated for the needy, SuperFood Drive was founded in January 2009 in San Diego, California by Ruthi Solari, Nutritionist and Corporate Wellness Professional. SuperFood Drive pursues a vision in which every man, woman and child has access to nutritious food that is essential for an active and healthy life. This 501(c)3 non-profit organization is committed to changing the face of hunger by empowering and guiding hunger relief organizations (food banks and food pantries) in providing nutrient-dense foods and nutrition education to the vulnerable populations who rely upon them.
Next time you choose to donate to a food drive, consider these nutritious options to make your donation make a bigger difference.
Whole wheat pasta with low sodium pasta sauce
Natural peanut butter without hydrogenated oil
Fruit canned in its own juice, instead of high fructose corn syrup
Whole Grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, whole grain cereal, rolled oats
Low sodium soups and vegetables, canned in water
Lean protein (Canned tuna, salmon, sardines), beans, lentils
Learn how to host your own healthy food drive at http://www.superfooddrive.org/resources/healthy-food-drive/. The site also features healthy recipes and how to donate healthy food online.
