This is how you get people the healthy foods they want

Helping neighbors thrive isn't just about making sure everyone has a full plate—it's about what is on that plate.

We recently surveyed people across the country, and what we heard was heartbreaking: 80% bought less nutritious food because of high prices.

That's why Feeding America and the network of food banks across the country work together to get fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy and more onto our neighbors' plates. We're putting food at the center of better health for every community—and here's how:

Distributing local, nutritious food

Alyson, Hawaii

With the support of grant funding from Feeding America, 'Elepaio Social Services piloted a program for neighbors to get fresh produce at two local farmers' markets on Oahu in Hawaii. There, neighbors like Alyson can get locally grown produce that's not only healthy but also a way to reconnect with native Hawaiian food like kalo.

"It was such a relief," she said. "Knowing that I would have that constant support for healthy eating."

Programs like this help connect nourishing food from farmers, manufacturers and retailers with communities, helping people like Alyson eat foods that fit their lifestyles and food traditions.

Fostering health partnerships

Suzette, Indiana

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, part of the Feeding America network, partners with a local healthcare system offering a food pantry within a hospital. At the pantry, patients referred by their healthcare provider get healthy food and nutrition education resources, including healthy recipes.

For Suzette, this food and extra help have been important on her health journey, sharing, "You're being nourished and all you have to do is show up."

Partner food banks support community health by connecting neighbors like Suzette with additional resources, including health screenings, referrals to primary care and collaborative programs with health care partners.

Providing nutrition education

Kaycee, Washington

Another member food bank, Second Harvest Inland Northwest in Spokane, Washington, connected Kaycee with The Kitchen, its nutrition education program that offers weekly cooking classes.

"I was at my doctor's office and saw a flyer for a food bank program that was teaching people how to eat healthy and on a budget. And I thought, wow, that really rings true to my situation since I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol and am on a budget." At The Kitchen, she learns healthy recipes—often using locally sourced ingredients and fruits and vegetables.

Across the network, over 50 registered dietitians and more than 200 nutrition staff support food banks, helping neighbors like Kaycee.

We have the generosity of the Feeding America community to thank for bringing our goal of ending hunger with nutritious meals closer to reality. Together, we're putting food at the center of better health for everyone.

With gratitude,

Linda Nageotte President & Chief Operating Officer Feeding America