Nutrition a Critical Factor for Food Donations

Lake Forest, IL -Food donations are often top of mind in the spirit of giving, especially during the holidays, however, shortly after, there is often a sharp decline in donations, and what is donated, often lacks nutritional value for those in need.

For those struggling with food insecurity, just having enough food is of course the priority," said Karin Podolski, MS, MPH, RN, NEA-BC, director of community Affairs at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. "But it is so important to also have the right kinds of foods to support nutrition and health in the long term.”

Roughly 47 million people in the U.S., including more than 7.2 million children, lived with food insecurity in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food insecurity is defined as "limited or uncertain access to adequate and safe foods," often due to lack of funds to purchase nutritional foods. Nutrition security means having consistent and equitable access to "healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being." While food insecurity has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death, poor nutrition can do the same with obesity and diabetes and affect mental health.

Concern about diet quality prompted the USDA in 2022 to begin emphasizing nutrition security along with food security as complementary goals.

In an effort to provide healthier food options for those with food insecurity and to celebrate the upcoming Superbowl, Northwestern Medicine and BEAR Construction joined forces for the “SOUPERBOWL,” and donated more than 625 soup cans (as well as packed more than 12,400 pounds of onions!) to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

In addition to soups, food pantries are always in need of healthier food options, including protein-packed foods like canned tuna and peanut butter, whole-grain pasta, brown rice and products without added sugar, sodium or saturated fat.

For more information, please go to Northwestern Medicine Community Impact | Northwestern Medicine.