Food pantries in Indiana see an influx of generous donations from the community this time of year, and the American Heart Association reminds the community to choose nutritious items to help build a healthier community.
“One in three adults are obese, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hilburn, president of the American Heart Association’s Indianapolis board of directors. “Healthy eating is just one way individuals can improve their health, while lowering their risk of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, which are all risk factors for heart disease.”
According to Hunger in America 2014, a study that is conducted every four years by Feeding America, an estimated 64 percent of those households served in Indiana food banks and programs have a member with high blood pressure. The health concerns don’t stop there for those who are food insecure; an estimated 34 percent of those who need to visit pantries in Indiana have diabetes. Indiana’s food banks serve at least 1.1 million people annually, 33 percent of whom are children and 13 percent seniors.
When choosing nonperishable items to donate to your local foodbank or local food pantry, try choosing one of these healthier options:
- Canned vegetables with no salt added or a low-sodium label
- Canned fruits in 100 percent juice
- Good sources of fiber such as beans
- Low-sodium soups
- Whole wheat pasta
- Cereals with low sugar content
According to research published by the American Heart Association, foods high in sodium can lead to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke — Americans’ No. 1 and No. 5 killers. Most people eat too much sodium, often without knowing it. One teaspoon of salt contains about 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium. All Americans should reduce the amount of sodium in their diet to less than 1,500 mg per day.
For more information on healthy grocery shopping and limiting your sodium intake, visit www.heart.org.
