BWC launches ‘Give Healthy’ campaign

The Brunswick Wellness Coalition (BWC) launched the Give Healthy campaign on November 1, 2018, to increase access to healthy, nutritious food for those that are food insecure. Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Children and adults suffering from food insecurity report poor physical and mental health, and have a much higher rate of developing diet-related health issues like obesity, diabetes, depression and cancer.

“We are grateful to those who donate to our local foodpantries, especially since Hurricane Florence, but what our residents need mostis nourishment,” said BWC Executive Director Lindsay Maher. “We need to focuson donating foods that are high in fiber, nutrients and protein which will keeppeople full longer and make them feel better.”

More than 5,000 children and 12,000 adults are foodinsecure in Brunswick County and routinely rely on food donations and subsidies.Because of Hurricane Florence, thousands have been displaced which has resultedin even more individuals and families in need. Donors continue to respond tothis growing need and by being more mindful of the type of food donated willresult in a far greater, positive impact on the health of the community.

“We received over 30 palletsof snack foods after hurricane Florence,” said Brunswick Family Assistance’sExecutive Director, Stephanie Bowen. “While we are very grateful for alldonations, we do hope that the Give Healthy campaign will encouragethe wonderful donors in our community to give foods that are rich in nutrientsso that the people we serve can live healthier lives.” 

Foods promoted in the Give Healthy campaigninclude:

• Lean proteins like nuts, low sodium and all-naturalpeanut butter, dry beans or low-sodium canned beans and canned chicken orseafood packed in water.
• Fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. If canned, itemsshould be in either 100 percent water or 100 percent juice with no added salt and/orno added sugar.
• Low sodium (500 milligrams or less) soups that includevegetables and have at least two grams of fiber.
• Pasta, rice, cereal and breads with the firstingredient listed as whole grain or whole wheat with no added sugar or very lowsugar (less than eight grams per serving).

If you and/or your organization would like to host a GiveHealthy Food Drive or if you would like more information about the campaign,contact BWC at 910-444-1872 or BrunswickWellnessCoalition@gmail.com.BWC will help market the drive and provide educational materials to promotehealthy food donations.