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Lowcountry Food Bank strives to serve nutritious, quality items


by Shelly Spoerre
Dietetic Intern
The ghouls and goblins of Halloween have passed and, do I dare say it, Thanksgiving is right around the corner. With the anticipation of holidays come thoughts of family gatherings, social events and of course, food. Unfortunately, for some families food is more of a struggle than a celebration.
 
According to Feeding America, South Carolina ranks well above the national average for food insecurity at 13.1 percent. While you are scavenging the grocery aisles with the third revision of your shopping list, consider doubling up. Grab two cans instead of one, and give back by donating your extra items to the Lowcountry Food Bank (LCFB). Each donated food item makes a positive impact for LCFB who provides hunger relief for approximately 154,000 people among the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina. Your donations, in addition to the collected items from supermarkets and wholesale surplus, help to feed families and children who experience real hunger. 
 
LCFB recognizes the importance of providing not only adequate, but healthful foods for their recipients and takes an extra step to guarantee the provision of quality foods through their nutrition initiative. This initiative ensures fresh, nutritious foods are made available to those they serve. So, when planning to double up just remember that not all donations are created equal.
 
Here are just a few examples of healthful foods that you can contribute. To view the full list of foods included in the LCFB nutrition initiative, visit http://www.lowcountryfoodbank.org.

Items needed

  • Nonperishable items—canned fruits in light syrup and no or low sodium canned vegetables;
  • Proteins—dried beans, tuna, shelf stable soy milk, and peanut butter;
  • Starches—brown rice, whole grains, and rolled oats;
  • Snacks—rice cakes, sugar free pudding, reduced fat cookies, dried fruit;
  • Dried herbs for salt free flavoring.

If you are unable to double up this season, you can still contribute by hosting a food drive among your neighbors or coworkers, or by volunteering your time. It takes more than 21,000 volunteer hours to efficiently run LCFB. So, make it a priority to share more than just food and fun with those you love this season. Join together in helping the LCFB provide for those in need, and double your reason to celebrate.




Friday, Nov. 13, 2009


The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.