AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — The Alabama Department of Public Health estimates 17% of adults and 23% of children experience food insecurity. During the holiday season, many organizations coordinate food drives to help meet the rising demand for food assistance for families facing food insecurity. Food pantries often help those who have exhausted other resources. Donating healthier food choices help combat food insecurity and promote better nutrition and well-being for food pantry clients.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education agent Sherri Mulder works with food pantries to incorporate nutritious options.

“Donating nutritious foods helps fight food insecurity in a way that not only fills empty shelves but also provides clients with access to foods that can improve their overall health,” Mulder said. “Healthier foods aren’t just a nice addition — they’re essential.”

Rising Need for Food Assistance During Winter

Winter months often bring more demand for food assistance as families face increased expenses. The added expense of heating a home can reallocate financial resources from food to utilities. Holiday school breaks leave many children without access to their regular free or reduced-priced meals. Families need more food to replace these meals and Mulder said these challenges can push more families to seek additional food resources to get through the season.

Food Pantries and Micro-Pantries Offer Support

Food pantries and micro-pantries provide crucial aid to families experiencing food insecurity. Micro-pantries are small, free-standing boxes where people can take what they need at any time without completing an application.

Traditional food pantries, while accessible to many, often require proof of residency and income and are open only during set hours. Both types of resources provide critical support to families who may have exhausted their monthly resources.

Donating Healthy Food Options

Nutritious donations allow pantry clients to make healthier choices that support long-term health goals. Items such as whole grains, low-sodium canned goods, low-sugar snacks and foods with reduced saturated fats are good choices for a healthier donation.

The following list includes tips for donating healthier food choices:

• Focus on nutrition. Look for items labeled low sodium, no added sugar and low in saturated fat. Healthy shelf-stable items include whole-grain pasta, canned vegetables, fruits in water or their own juice and lean canned meats.
• Pick up a few extra items. When shopping for your own groceries, buy extra canned or shelf-stable items to set aside for donation.
• Take advantage of seasonal sales. The holiday season often brings sales on a range of pantry items. Look for discounts on low-sodium vegetables, whole grains and canned proteins like tuna or beans.
• Use a healthy food shopping list. Live Well Alabama has provided a Good Choice Food Pantry guide to shopping for food items to donate.

Be Part of the Solution

Donating healthier food options is a way to support the long-term health and well-being of families in need. When food pantry clients have nutritious items to choose from, they have access to build a healthier lifestyle.

“Nutrition matters when donating food items,” Mulder said. “We are not just giving food. We are giving families the tools to live healthier lives.”

As food drives ramp up across Alabama, community members can contribute to addressing food insecurity. By focusing on quality as well as quantity, donations can help provide meals that support better nutrition for those in need.

More Information

To learn more about nutrition and physical activity, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com. There, you can find valuable resources, practical advice and insights to support your wellness journey.

For those looking to connect with others interested in a healthy lifestyle, consider following Live Well Alabama on social media. Their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram platforms offer a space to share experiences, find inspiration and join a community focused on well-being.