March marks National Nutrition Month, a time to recognize the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. But what if making those choices isn’t as simple as picking an apple over a bag of chips? For many families experiencing food insecurity, access to nutritious, heart-healthy food isn’t always guaranteed.
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada plays a fundamental role in addressing food insecurity while making nourishing and heart-healthier foods more accessible. We are focused on providing not just food, but nutritious options that promote well-being. By distributing fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, the Food Bank ensures that more families can make healthy choices—not because they’re a luxury, nor should they be—but because they’re available.
The Impact of Nutritious Choices
Fresh produce delivered to neighborhoods
Distributing fresh produce through Mobile Harvest and partner agencies allows us to bring seasonal fruits and vegetables directly into neighborhoods—especially ones in which neighbors have limited access to grocery stores or affordable produce. By offering nutritious, healthier options close to home, Mobile Harvest makes it easier for families to include fresh items in their diets.
Partner Agency Network: reaching more neighbors with healthier food options
The Food Bank works closely with our wide network of partner agencies—including food pantries, shelters, and community organizations—that distribute nutritious foods including whole grains and proteins like brown rice, beans, and lean meats, essential items for balanced meals.
Building skills to make healthier choices
By offering nutrition education, families can quickly identify which food items are the more nutritious options at pantries by labeling items using the SWAP system (Supporting Wellness at Pantries). With over 16 million pounds of food distributed annually, including millions of pounds of fresh produce, the Food Bank continues to create impactful changes in the fight against hunger.
How You Can Build Healthy Eating Habits
Making small yet sustainable changes can have a significant impact on your health. Here are a few tips to start:
Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies — Aim to make half your plate colorful at every meal. Fresh, frozen, or canned (low-sodium) vegetables and fruits are all good options. You can find great meal planning tips from MyPlate.gov to make this process easier.
Stay hydrated with water — Drinking water is essential for digestion and overall health in general. Choosing water instead of drinks high in sugar is an easy way to reduce unnecessary calories.
Choose more whole foods when you can — Switch to whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat bread, or oatmeal when you have the option. Whole grains are rich in fiber, which helps keep you full and supports heart health. Incorporating more whole foods like fresh fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, and lean meats gives your body the nutrients it needs. Limiting highly processed foods when possible is a great step toward creating a healthier lifestyle.
Watch sodium intake — Processed foods are often high in sodium. Choose low-sodium versions of canned goods and season meals with herbs and spices instead of salt.
Cook at home when you can — Cooking at home is one of the best ways to improve health because you have the power to choose ingredients that are good for you! It goes without saying that eating at fast food restaurants is more convenient, but oftentimes the meals are high in additives, chemicals, hormones, salt, and other harmful substances. Check out HelpGuide.org for the full list of benefits of cooking at home.
Try planning meals ahead — Meal planning helps reduce stress around mealtime and also ensures that you’re including a variety of nutritious foods. Additionally, it can also help avoid last-minute fast-food runs.
Why Nutrition is Critical in Fighting Hunger
Hunger isn’t just about empty stomachs—it’s also about the quality of food available. National Nutrition Month reminds us that healthy eating and access to nourishing food should be available to everyone. At the Food Bank, nutrition is at the heart of every program, every meal, and every family & neighbor served.
Thanks to our supporters and volunteers, more families are finding ways to eat well and live healthier lives. Do you want to support your community? Here are some ways you can make a direct impact:
Donate — Every dollar makes a difference. A $1 donation helps provide up to 3 meals. You can make a direct impact on someone’s life by making a donation.
Host a Food Drive with a Healthy Focus — Organize a food drive focusing on heart-healthy and low-sodium items, like canned vegetables (low sodium), whole grain pasta, or nut butters. Learn more about hosting a food drive.
Volunteer — Lend a hand in sorting and distributing food. Giving just a few hours of your time helps families access the nutritious food they need. Check out our volunteer opportunities.
