An E-Newsletter for Neighbors Served by Food Bank Programs & Partners
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Nutrition on Wheels at Distributions
Nutrition on Wheels (NOW) is provided by the Food Bank at Mobile Harvest and Produce on Wheels distribution sites. The Food Bank’s Mobile Harvest & Produce on Wheels trucks deliver fruits and vegetables into 40+ neighborhoods every month, year round. Families who otherwise cannot access or afford to buy fresh produce come to meet the truck at a site in their neighborhood, and go home with a generous supply of produce and other perishable foods, including dairy, yogurt, etc. While they are waiting to check-in, a bilingual nutrition educator sets up a table and talks with clients about pertinent nutrition topics in the form of short nutrition lessons.
Nutrition on Wheels Schedule & Monthly Lesson:
December 2023 Schedule | December 2023 Lesson: Mindfullness During the Holidays
Monthly Lesson Archive:
November 2023 Lesson: Let’s Talk Turkey | October 2023: Supporting Wellness at Pantries Stoplight Guide
SWAP (Supporting Wellness at Pantries)
You may notice the symbols from this stoplight when visiting a Food Bank partner pantry. Aside from being the cutest stoplight we’ve ever seen, the symbols can play an important role in helping you make healthy and nutritious choices while visiting a food pantry.
Food supplies the nutrients needed to fuel your body so you can perform your best. The SWAP stoplight system is a simple way to recognize foods that promote health and good nutrition when visiting food banks and food pantries. SWAP ranks foods based on levels of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars because these nutrients are linked with increased risk of chronic diseases.
GREEN – CHOOSE OFTEN
Low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar; supports health
Some examples of GREEN foods include:
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All fresh fruits and vegetables
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Whole eggs
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Whole grain bread, pasta, tortillas
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Brown rice
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Skim, 1%, and 2% milk
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Plain water, coffee, and tea
YELLOW – CHOOSE SOMETIMES
Moderate levels of fat, sodium, or added sugar; can contribute to good health
Some examples of YELLOW foods include:
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100% fruit juice
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Regular “white” bread, pasta, tortillas
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White rice
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Whole milk
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Most peanut butter
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Plain dried fruit such as raisins
RED – CHOOSE RARELY
High levels of fat, sodium, or added sugar; think of as treats; limited health benefits
Some examples of RED foods include:
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Desserts such as ice cream, cookies, cake
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Candy
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Most processed / packaged snacks
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Regular soda and juice drinks
SWAP was developed by the Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions at Connecticut Foodshare.
For more information about the Food Bank’s nutrition programs, please contact director of programs, Kerry Kelly, at (775) 331-3663 ext 147.
