Combat hungeR with Healthy Food
Amid the pandemic, one in seven Americans is relying on food pantries, soup kitchens, and the like to survive. Our nation is in dire need, not just for food but for HEALTHY nonperishables that are hard to come by in overwhelmed food relief centers.
Over the last four years, our Think Before You Donate campaign has taught millions the best nonperishable foods to give to heal the hungry . . . and why healthy food matters so much.
We’ve also got some big ideas and fresh updates for this initiative COMING SOON. Check back on this page often to make sure you don’t miss anything!
38 Million Americans Need You to Take Action Now
More than 23.5 million Americans live in food deserts*, in which there is not a supermarket nor do they have transportation to get to one. Indeed . . .
Black Americans have half and Hispanics one-third the access to chain supermarkets that white Americans do.
These communities rely on convenience and fast food. There’s a general lack of access to fresh produce and healthy foods, and – when people can find them – they’re rarely affordable. Over time, this makes them more susceptible to heart disease, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, and hypertension. Poor nutrition also weakens brain function—in adults and children.
These diseases and comorbidities are all associated with higher rates of hospitalization and deaths from COVID-19.
We must help extend healing and nutrition to our neighbors.
We make it easy for you to teach others to think before they donate – at your collections at church, school, and work, as well as at food banks, soup kitchens, and food pantries. And to host a healthy food drive and to do so safely regardless of what’s happening in the world.
* Voice of America, 2020, Pandemic Worsens 'Food Deserts' for 23.5 Million Americans
How Can You Help?
- Educate yourself by downloading the Best Foods to Donate List.
- Teach others by sharing this page! Here are some easy links: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn.
- Host a Healthy Food Drive
“. . . Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
Critical Facts |
Healthy Food Drive Poster (Editable) |
FAQ's |
Food Drive Kickoff Video |
Non-religious Food Drive Kickoff Video |
Do It Now
Bring desperately needed healing to the hungry – in this time of enormous need. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Educate yourself and others. Does your church, school, workplace, or charitable organization hold a food collection?
Use our downloadable materials and videos to teach them why healthy nonperishables are so critically important.
Learn which items to give: lean proteins, no sodium vegetables, no sugar fruits, and whole grain items.
Emphasize that healthy choices are not necessarily more expensive, particularly if you purchase generic brands or shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and other lower-priced stores. Make healthy swaps for nonperishables: choose tuna in water over tuna in oil; brown rice over white rice; unsweetened fruit cups over those with heavy syrups; no sodium canned vegetables over those with sodium added.
2. Transform an existing collection at your place of worship, school, work, or elsewhere into a healthy drive.
3. Host a Healthy Food Drive.
We invite you to share your healthy food drives and collections on your social media with #thinkbeforeyoudonate.
Need tips, ideas, or help for your healthy food drive?
