In honor of National Nutrition Month, an education and information campaign promoting nutrition sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, we urge Hoosiers to reflect on hunger in our communities. Registered Dietitians encourage all Hoosiers to “Get Your Plate in Shape” and this challenge is most difficult for those without resources to secure adequate food daily.
Right now, 1 in 6 Hoosiers is at risk of hunger. For children, the number is just one in four. Though we cannot tell who is hungry from the clothes people wear, the jobs they work, or the color of their skin, an apple a day is out of reach for nearly 49 million Americans. 13 percent of Hoosier households lack access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life.
Every year, food banks across the country serve millions of Americans unable to afford enough food to feed their families. Last year alone, the member food banks of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry distributed 66.4 million pounds of food and grocery products to Hoosiers in need. Our goal is not to just fill people up with food, but ultimately with nutritious food.
Those at risk of hunger often cannot afford preventative and follow-up healthcare services. For this vulnerable population, access to nutritious foods is vital in maintaining good health. Studies show that growing children need a balance of vitamins and minerals for cognitive and behavioral development.
We would not be able to continue this critical work and provide nutritious foods without the support of Hoosier communities. Your food and fund donations to the member food banks of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry are leading our efforts in creating a hunger-free Indiana.
Together, we can provide hope to Hoosiers in need for a better tomorrow.
Executive Director, Indiana Dietetics Association
Executive Director, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry
