The Duplin Coalition for Health is partnering with Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries to host a food collection drive to support our local food pantries. This collection drive will take place during October to coincide with and celebrate World Food Day.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization designated October 16 as World Food Day in 1979. The purpose of the day is to promote global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and to highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all.
According to our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, 13% of adults and 20% of children in Duplin County are considered food insecure. Our local food pantries help bridge this gap in need.
The Duplin Coalition for Health is a collaborative, community-based partnership committed to improving the health and well-being of all Duplin County residents. Through this initiative, we bring together community partners across multiple sectors to drive sustainable, locally-led solutions that address the root causes of poor health and health disparities. We bring together local leaders, organizations, and residents from diverse sectors—healthcare, education, government, faith-based groups, nonprofits, and businesses—to identify and address priority community health concerns and promote healthy lifestyles, behaviors, and environments.
While the food collection drive will gladly accept all donations of food, some of the suggested items based on need and prioritizing nutrition include: whole grain pasta, rice, water, high protein canned items (meats), peanut butter, canned beans, dried beans, canned soup or broth, canned fruits & vegetables.
Whether donating or purchasing for yourselves, we’ve compiled a few tips to keep nutrition in mind when shopping for non-perishable items:
Reducing Sodium. When purchasing canned beans, vegetables, meats, soups, or broths (for donation or just for yourselves) opting for low-sodium or no salt added food items when available can help reduce sodium intake. With canned beans and vegetables that aren’t low-sodium, draining and rinsing can actually reduce the sodium by up to 40%.
Whole Grains. The USDA’s MyPlate Plan recommends that half of the grains we consume come from whole grains. Whole grains are typically higher in fiber and nutrients, and research suggests their consumption is linked with reduced risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
Reducing Added Sugars. When shopping for canned fruits, look for fruits canned in 100% juice or options lowest in added sugars. In the most recent revision of the Nutrition Facts Labels, products must now be labeled to show how much sugar was added into the product.
Interested in supporting this food collection drive? Purchased items can be dropped off throughout October at locations throughout the county including: any Duplin County library, Wallace or Warsaw Parks and Recreation, Piggly Wiggly in Wallace, and ECU Health Duplin Hospital.
For an exhaustive list of all drop off locations and physical addresses, a printable list of most requested items, and more information about the Food Bank of CENC, Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries, and Food Assistance in Duplin County, visit go.ncsu.edu/duplin-food-drive.
Sources:
- Whole Grains Council
- MyPlate
