Feeding Indiana’s Hungry and the Indiana Dietetic Association are proud to support National Nutrition Month®, and “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day”. This month, we recognize National Nutrition Month® in honor of the more than 1 million Hoosiers that lack access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life. Registered Dietitians promote nutritious choices and Indiana’s food banks are committed to helping food insecure people get the healthy food they need to eat right, their way, every day.
Feeding Indiana’s hungry strives to provide those facing hunger not only with enough food to fill them up, but also the accessibility to healthful, nourishing foods. As a reminder to all on how to “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day”, here are a few tips from the food and nutrition experts at the Indiana Dietetic Association and “Food for Thought” regarding those facing hunger:
- Personalize your eating style: The easiest way to get the nutrients your body needs is to eat healthy foods you enjoy. Finding good-for-you foods that please your palette makes eating healthfully special and exciting. Food For Thought: An apple a day may be out of reach for more than 50 million Americans facing hunger because fresh fruits and vegetables may not be affordable or available to them.
- Eat for your lifestyle: Athletic, vegetarian/vegan, corporate and family lifestyles all have special nutritional needs, but eating right can be easy and tasty with attention to those foods that best help get you through the day. Food For Thought: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides benefits to supplement the monthly food budget for more than 400,000 struggling Hoosier families, helping them to put food on the table and improving their ability to afford an adequate, nutritious diet.
- Incorporate cultural and ethnic traditions: Foods from around the globe often incorporate an abundance of unique, flavorful and nourishing ingredients. Keep traditions alive and bring the world to your family’s table. Food For Thought: Obesity affects people of all ethnic backgrounds, income and education levels; however, the highest obesity rates continue to be found amongst racial and ethnic minorities, those with lower education levels, and lower income levels and in rural populations.
- Keep health concerns in mind: A healthful eating plan can help prevent and treat a variety of health concerns. With modification and moderation, you can still enjoy many of your favorite foods while meeting your nutritional needs and health goals. Food For Thought: Individuals struggling with hunger are often disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes.
- Make MyPlate your plate: Fill half of your plate with your favorite fruits and vegetables; keep protein portions lean and about three ounces; make at least half of your grain choices whole grains; and be sure to include low-fat or fat-free dairy. Food For Thought: 13 percent of all Hoosier households do not have access, at times, to nutritious foods.
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 and promote health to families struggling for a better tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Hanna Kelley, RD, CD
Executive Director, Indiana Dietetic Association
Emily Weikert Bryant
Executive Director, Feeding Indiana’s Hungry
