Nourish a Neighbor in Need

Add healthy food donations to your holiday list this year. 

One of the things I like best about this time of year is the spirit of giving that fills the air. Thinking about gifts to purchase or make for family and friends, makes me happy. The idea of giving to those in our community who may not have anyone to make their holidays brighter also fills me with a sense of well-being.

Since a large part of my work focuses on increasing the availability of healthy and affordable foods for Clinton County residents, healthy food pantry donations are at the top of my giving list. This time of year, the need is high as families struggle to put together a Thanksgiving meal, buy gifts or spend a few spare dollars on a Christmas tree. Providing foods that positively impact someone’s overall health is a goal of mine.

Of course, we want our donation dollars to go as far as possible, so donating bulk items with a long shelf life makes sense. But during the holiday season especially, I try to re-frame my thinking. What better time than now to give something extra special, something a family in need may not be able to purchase on their own. Nuts and dried fruits are traditional and healthy holiday fare that fit the bill. Even canned and packaged foods can offer healthier options. Think about choosing canned vegetables with no added salt, canned fruits packed in their own juices with no added sugars, and shelf stable milk products.

Examples of healthy food donations. 

Did you know that most of our area pantries can accept perishable food items? Consider taking your healthy perishable donations directly to the pantry, just call ahead to make sure the pantry you choose can accept these items and ask them when they will have staff available to accept them.

Healthy Donation Food Drive Kit

Healthy giving is important all year round. A healthy diet reduces risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Children who eat healthy foods do better in school and wholesome foods provide seniors with nutrients needed for healthy aging.  

So this holiday season (and throughout the year), nourish a neighbor in need. Make healthy donations to food drives and pantries. Spread the message to others too. If you are a food drive organizer, contact CCHD at 518-565-4993 to receive a free Healthy Donation Food Drive Kit or find suggestions for other healthy donation items at www.clintonhealth.org/healthygiving.

Karen Derusha

Supervising Public Health Educator

Health Planning and Promotion Division