Last month, we issued a challenge that aligns with my hashtag #foodandhope- “My challenge to you is to join us. Be a part of something bigger than any of us individually – be that light to someone who is struggling in the shadows”.
So, how did you do? Did you find a way to be a light for someone who is struggling? Did you find a way to provide #foodandhope for someone in need? If you did, thank you! But please don’t be a one–hit wonder! Find ways to continue being a light and to challenge others to join you. If you did not, let your heart not be troubled – every day is an opportunity to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
In fact, this month our focus is on health and wellness – with food – and so much more.
Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? What a great time to focus on healthy and nutritious foods and how we can find ways to get more proteins, produce, and dairy into our diets, and reduce processed food with ingredients that I can neither spell nor pronounce.
Every year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has a theme, and this year, their theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition”. There are great resources to check out in various languages if you click here.
Here at the St. Louis Area Foodbank, our vision is “A Nutritionally Secure Missouri and Illinois” so this theme resonates with us well. From working with local farmers and growers to ensuring we are sourcing foods (and labeling them) in accordance with H.E.R. guidelines (Healthy Eating Research), we are laser-focused on sourcing and distributing more healthy and nutritious foods to our neighbors across the 26 counties that we serve. If you want to learn more about this initiative, a one-page overview of the recommendations is available here. Additional resources are available on the HER Nutrition Guidelines webpage.
We are excited about continuing to build strong relationships across our region to increase the availability of healthy and nutritious foods to our neighbors. We’re excited to continue to develop programming and content to share across the bi-state region to educate families about the importance of nutrition, making healthy choices, and finding fun ways to engage the next generation to build healthy lifestyles from the beginning.
Speaking of beginnings, we are excited to share a new opportunity with the Foodbank to focus on financial wellness, and what it means to ensure your family and others can celebrate your legacy by creating a will or trust – at NO COST TO YOU!
To help you get started on your plans and legacy, you can use FreeWill, a free online tool that guides you through the process of creating your will or trust. It’s easy to use, accessible online, and can be completed in 20 minutes. You can use this resource on its own, or to document your wishes before finalizing your plans with an attorney.
With this free, secure tool, you can create your will in just 20 minutes, ensuring your compassion lives on for years to come. By including the Foodbank in your plans, you’re investing in a stronger, healthier community for generations to come. You can start your legacy of impact today at:
Whether it is helping you leave a legacy or beginning a journey towards improved physical health, the St. Louis Area Foodbank is your trusted partner for resources, information, and opportunity to make a difference. We thank you for your support – and look forward to building a stronger bi-state region together. #foodandhope
