Give the gift of healthy eating
December seems to bring out the best in people and a great way to contribute to those in need in Prince George is by donating to organizations providing more than 1,000 Christmas hampers this year.
The Native Friendship Centre, St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Prince George Council of Seniors and the Salvation Army are all accepting food, cash and gift card donations.
If people are interested in dropping off non-perishable food items to an organization, the question might be what exactly to purchase.
Loraina Stephen, population health registered dietitian for Northern Health, has put together a list on a blog to help make it easier for people to make good, nutritious hamper item choices.
“I think many people can be shopping very quickly for what they are going to give to the food banks, and I would just like to encourage them to focus on healthier foods because it’s often for families and vulnerable people, so they often don’t have money for the really important proteins and fruits and vegetables.”
Food drives often get lots of pasta, but little nutritious food.
“I think people forget how expensive a basic can of peaches, pears or fruit cocktail can be,” said Stephen.
“So people might not consider buying canned fruits and vegetables but they are so important. It’s essential that our most vulnerable populations get some of the healthier choices because they are expensive and they might not be able to get them otherwise.”
Things like meaty chili and stew, beans in tomato sauce, canned fish and peanut butter can be very healthy choices.
“Some have a lot of salt so you have to be careful and some have a lot of sugar,” said Stephen. “People might be going through the grocery store and they could just grab and go, so if they could slow down just a little bit and maybe focus on protein, vegetables and fruit that would be helpful.”
Canned salmon, tuna, ham and chicken, peanut butter or peas and carrots and corn will carry those in need through the holidays and beyond because they can safely sit in the cupboard.
“So people can be thinking beyond the immediate holiday and provide into the new year to feed those families,” said Stephen.
There’s nothing wrong with picking those items that are on sale, just don’t pick items that are unhealthy. Always consider fat, salt and sugar content.
“We are trying to feed children and families and growing youth who really need nutrition and our vulnerable seniors really need to have nutritious foods, too,” said Stephen.
In Stephen’s blog found at online at pgc.cc/1HVQgQB, she has a list of suggested food items ideal for food hamper donations:
“Non-perishable and nutritious food suggestions for meat and alternatives, which provide essential protein, vitamins, and minerals include canned salmon, tuna, sardines, chicken, beef chilis, ham, corned beef, a variety of beans (brown beans in tomato sauce, kidney, garbanzo, mixed beans), and peanut butter.
“Non-perishable and nutritious food suggestions for vegetables and fruit, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates as well as fiber include: canned tomatoes, mixed veggies, peas, green or yellow beans, corn, beets, and fruit such as peaches, pears, mixed fruits with no added syrup or pear juice and unsweetened apple sauce.”