healthy food - COLLEGE FOOD PANTRIES ADDRESS GROWING PROBLEM - SIBEJO

For many students, the abundant all-you-can-eat smorgasbord in the college cafeteria is far from reality. As tuition has increased, and with more low-income students attending college, food pantries like one at Brooklyn College have sprung up at more than 300 colleges across the country. University of Maryland officials decided one was needed after realizing several years ago that a greater percentage of students, many from low-income families, were struggling. A decade ago, they might have entered the workforce right after high school, but now they realize that a college degree is practically a necessity. The pantry served 170 people in the fall 2015 semester. About half of them were students, and the rest were university employees. Some colleges permit students to donate �swipes� from their dining plans to others who can�t afford to eat.  Columbia University unveiled a plan last year to permit students to donate up to six unused meals a semester through an emergency meal fund, and students who need food can receive up to six vouchers a semester.

Source: New York Times, 6/22/16, College Food Pantries

healthy food - FOOD BANKS FIGHT DIABETES - SIBEJO

Many people who depend on food pantries are not underfed, but are obese and diabetic, experts have found. In 2014, one-third of the 15.5 million households served by Feeding America, the nation�s largest hunger-relief organization, reported that a household member had diabetes. Inconsistent access to food worsens the disease, and so can the offerings at the pantries many low-income people must rely on. A growing body of research links food insecurity to uncontrolled diabetes. Diet is partly to blame: The inexpensive food favored by people stretching their dollars is often low in fiber and rich in carbohydrates, which contribute to obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Even when food bank patrons are aware they have diabetes � and many do know � they are not in a position to turn down free fare. Now researchers have begun pursuing innovative new methods to address Type 2 diabetes among people who rely on food banks.  A randomized trial in San Francisco and two other sites seeks to help patrons gain control of both their diets and Type 2 diabetes. Researchers asked pantry patrons if they wanted their blood sugar checked and, if it was high, whether they wanted to enroll in a six-month program to lower it. (A control group was told to wait six months to begin.) For those who enrolled, a staff member handpicked appropriate food from the bank�s shelves, saying no to prepackaged junk, yes to asparagus and peanut butter. Participants pick up bags of selected food twice a month. They also receive referrals to a primary care physician, classes about diabetes management, and regular blood sugar checks. The initial results have been promising. In a pilot study of nearly 700 food pantry visitors in Texas, California and Ohio, participants with the worst blood sugar readings managed modest improvements in a relatively short time.

Source: New York Times, 6/21/16, Food Banks & Diabetes

healthy food - Food Bank supports gardens at local programs - SIBEJO

Edible gardens increase food security and nurture a meaningful connection between the community and growing nutritious fresh foods.

One of the goals of Food Bank of Central New York is to engage local food pantries,  free will dinners, and community members in projects supporting community food security. Through the Food Bank's Garden Grant program, these partners can receive $250 toward establishing or expanding an edible garden.

Awards will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. It is a rolling application process with no deadline to apply. Award applicants will have to meet the criteria outlined in the application and provide all the information to receive the award. The application can be accessed online under Get Help/Community Services.

Garden installation and start-up may be assisted by Food Bank staff upon request. Partner Agencies are responsible for maintaining and sustaining the garden and, of course, reaping the reward of freshly grown produce! So Let�s Get Growing!