Making Healthy ChoicesWe value and foster health in our community, ensuring that nutritious options are available because we know that good nutrition is essential for good health. 89 percent of the food distributed is considered “core food”—healthy foods, including vegetables and fruits, grains, protein, beans and dairy, which can be used to prepare a nutritious meal for a family. Of the 9.2 million pounds of food distributed by the Food Bank last year, over 2.2 million pounds were fresh produce.

Healthy Habits ClassesOur class series runs for six weeks and includes three different tracks geared towards older adults, adults & families and school-aged children. Our curriculum is science-based with a focus on a wholesome diet containing nutritious foods. During the six weeks we provide the tools and resources needed to improve dietary lifestyles. Participants leave the course informed with the ability to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families. • The older adult series focuses on prevention and management of

conditions affecting older adults like diabetes, hypertension, bone and memory health.

• The adult & family series focuses on basics for a wholesome diet as well as food safety, food budgeting and meal planning for families.

• Our school-aged child series focuses on healthy eating and physical fitness and includes hands-on activities to encourage children to try new foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

Both adult series include cooking demonstrations and take-home groceries. Participants also get other incentives that are related to the lessons.

Class Series at Agencies6-week classes include senior series, children’s series, and adults & families seriesTotal Sessions: 8Total Participants: 140

Nutrition Education OutreachTotal Sessions: 66Total Participants: 1,246

Agency DemosFood demos for agencies and guestsTotal Sessions: 49Total Participants: 914

Trainings for Member Agencies Seasonal Workshops and ServSafeTotal Sessions: 13Total Participants: 84

Nutrition Education Trainings for AgenciesSessions designed for agency staff and volunteersTotal Sessions: 6Total Participants: 14

All program totals:Sessions: 142Participants: 2,378

2018 Nutrition & Health

Activity Report

Program Results

“I learned a few things even at my age! Loved the quick recipes!” - Linda, attended Older Adult Class, Coventry Food Pantry

“My favorite part of Mission Nutrition was learning the difference between junk foods vs. healthy snacks!”

- Attended Mission Nutrition, Progreso Latino, Central Falls

Best PracticesRe-Fresh Training - Highlights from our Member Agencies

In addition to our direct outreach to program guests, we offer a Re-Fresh Training for Food Bank member agency staff and volunteers. This training is geared towards increasing guests’ access to healthier foods so that agencies can better serve them, especially those struggling with a chronic disease or a health issue.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank • rifoodbank.org/healthyhabits

East Bay Food Pantry

Created Fresh Food Friday where pantry guests can choose from a bounty of fresh local produce each week!

St. Peters by the Sea

Created a “Go, Slow, Whoa” section of their

pantry to highlight healthy foods and

encourage guests to see the differences

between products and make healthy choices

for their families.

Jonnycake Center of Westerly

Revamped their space to make it more welcoming with a focus on nutrition. They painted, added shelving, and upgraded the entire pantry space to make it a place where guests could feel comfortable shopping for food. The shelves are organized by core foods: fruits, vegetables, protein and whole grains, with snacks in the back section. They have coolers full of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables and other core foods so guests can make healthy meals!

Moving Towards a Healthier Rhode IslandOur program is offered to local health centers participating in the Meal4Kids program. Meals4Kids provides healthy kid-friendly food boxes for children at risk of food insecurity. Boxes also include information about local pantries and community resources for parents. Ten community health centers participated in our program this year. We worked with parents through workshops, classes and outreach. Classes offered include: Type II Diabetes prevention, Heart Health and Eating Well on a Budget and more.