Increasing
numbers of people across the Ozarks are relying on food pantries to meet their
daily needs. However, when it comes to people with health-restricted diets,
sometimes there are few options for food. That’s why CoxHealth’s employees are
working to pack local pantries with foods that are low in sugar, salt and fat –
and the community is invited to take part!
“We
know that obesity, heart disease and diabetes are leading health issues in our
community,” says Glenda Miller, CoxHealth collaborative care coordinator and
food drive organizer. “By donating healthy foods to our local pantries, we are
helping not only provide much needed food for our friends and neighbors, but
also support those who wish to eat a heart-healthy diet.”
Springfield’s
donations will benefit Crosslines, a local food pantry that serves an average
of 3,600 Ozarkers every month. “As a client-choice food pantry, it is important
to Crosslines to provide a selection of healthy, nutritious food for families
and seniors,” says Crosslines director Tom Faulkner. “Through CoxHealth’s
healthy food drive, Crosslines will be able to help meet a special need for
those with dietary health conditions, especially those that may have high blood
pressure, diabetes, or even chronic heart disease issues.”
The
food drive begins on Nov. 2, which coincides with National Eating Healthy Day,
and runs through Nov. 18. In Springfield, donation bins will be placed at Cox
South (near the north entrance, West Pavilion entrance and West Tower
entrance), Meyer Fitness Center (inside the front entrance), Meyer Orthopedic
& Rehabilitation Hospital (near the cafeteria), CoxHealth Surgery Center
(inside the south entrance) and Cox North (outpatient entrance and near the
FMCC entrance).
Some
suggested items include no-sugar-added applesauce, 100-percent-fruit cups,
low-sodium or “no salt added” canned vegetables, reduced sodium spaghetti
sauce, tomato paste, brown rice, whole wheat noodles, canned chicken and dried
beans.
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