Northshore Food Bank actively monitors our programs and engage with our program participants to stay on top of changes in our community and its needs. In a recent survey, we found that 28% of the individuals and families we surveyed are affected by diabetes, either being diabetic themselves or having a diabetic in their household.
As a result of these findings, Northshore Food Bank introduced its newest program, the T2 (Type 2 Diabetes) Staple Food Box. This supplemental box of commodities is specially designed with guidance from a registered dietician for diabetic households and provides healthier, alternative options. By introducing whole grains, low-sodium and low- or no-sugar food items to the traditional staple box, we hope to address the concern of diabetes for the food-insecure population.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 14 percent of the adult population in Louisiana have diabetes, and an additional 37.5 percent have prediabetes. Low-income populations have been found to be more likely to develop diabetes, considering lack of access to proper food nutrition. The T2 Staple Food Box addresses this health concern by including items such as –
• Low-sodium soup;
• Low-sodium, no sugar added tomato sauce;
• Canned fruit in water or juice;
• Whole wheat pasta;
• Brown rice;
• Tuna in water;
• And unsweetened cereal.
By introducing and providing healthier food options, we hope to (1) make healthy living easier, (2) reduce the risk of T2 diabetes and (3) reduce food insecurity by providing access to the needed nutritional items to prepare meals.
Additionally, we have expanded these healthier options into our regular Traditional Staple Box program by revising our Most Needed Items list and requesting healthier options from food drives and individual donors. Everyone deserves to have the healthiest options available, and it is our hope that healthier items will be donated by the community as well. So far, we have distributed nearly 80 of these boxes, with plans to expand the program through a local nonprofit collaboration.
