GREEN
Often
Low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar
Supports health
All fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole eggs
Whole grain bread, pasta, tortillas
Brown rice
Skim, 1%, and 2% milk
Plain water, coffee, and tea

The Prescription Pantry Program is a partnership between the Food Bank and healthcare providers who identify patients whose health would benefit from improved access to nutritious food. Participants receive a “prescription” for healthy groceries such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, along with recipes and cooking tips. Many participants are managing diet-related illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease, so the program emphasizes foods that can help stabilize blood sugar, support heart health, and improve overall wellness. By combining the expertise of medical providers with the resources of the Food Bank, Prescription Pantry bridges the gap between healthcare and hunger relief, making good nutrition an integral part of treatment and recovery.
Our SWAP program, or Supporting Wellness at Pantries, uses a simple stoplight-style nutrition ranking system that makes it easier for neighbors to choose healthier food options when visiting our partner pantries. Foods are categorized as green for “choose often,” yellow for “choose sometimes,” and red for “choose rarely” based on levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. This easy-to-understand system helps families make informed choices that support long-term health and aligns with our goal of reducing the risk of chronic disease in the communities we serve.
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Low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar
Supports health
All fresh fruits and vegetables
Whole eggs
Whole grain bread, pasta, tortillas
Brown rice
Skim, 1%, and 2% milk
Plain water, coffee, and tea
Moderate levels of fat, sodium, or added sugar
Can contribute to good health
100% fruit juice
Regular “white” bread, pasta, tortillas
White rice
Whole milk
Most peanut butter
Plain dried fruit such as raisins
High levels of fat, sodium, or added sugar
Think of as treats. Limited health benefits
Desserts such as ice cream, cookies, cake
Candy
Most processed / packaged snacks
Regular soda and juice drinks