September is Hunger Action Month, an annual nationwide campaign aimed at spreading awareness and taking action in the fight against hunger.
According to the USDA, at least 13.5 million, or 10.2% of U.S. households faced food insecurity in 2021.
In addition, more than 34 million people presently live in food-insecure households. It’s also no secret that hunger and health are deeply connected.
Research has shown that food insecurity can lead to chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. One way to combat this risk is to focus on healthy, affordable foods.
At Feeding Westchester, we envision a community where people from all walks of life, have access to nutritious foods including resources to obtain or utilize them.
As summer winds down, we welcome cool, crisp air, and new, beautiful varieties of produce.
Fruits and vegetables are a beneficial way of staying healthy and reducing the risks of many chronic illnesses. Not only are they low in calories, but they are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
These delicious and easy-to-store fruits are available all year round.
With hundreds of varieties to choose from, New York state is among the top producers of apples in the US.
For New York residents, apples that are locally produced costs less, help our environment, and ensures the best flavor and nutrients.
Above all, Apples are a great source of fiber, which helps decrease constipation and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Bright, tasty, and juicy are common words to describe oranges.
Among one of the world’s most common citrus fruits, oranges are harvested in the fall months (October through June).
They are also a good source of vitamin C which supports immune function and wound healing.
This brightly colored, watermelon-shaped veggie is a part of the family of winter squashes, a hardy variety of vegetables that are harvested in the fall and winter months.
Known as the vegetable spaghetti — its creamy flesh turns into long, yellow-gold spaghetti-like strands when cooked.
In addition to fiber, spaghetti squash is full of antioxidants which help to boost our immune system and prevent damage to our cells.
Among the most popular and easily noticeable produce of the fall season, pumpkins are not only a sight to see, but they are packed with nutrients.
Just one cup of mashed pumpkins provides under 50 calories! In addition, pumpkins contain vitamin A which is important for healthy eyesight.
The seeds of pumpkin are also edible and an excellent source of phosphorus, a mineral that is important for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
In honor of Hunger Action Month and its symbolic orange color, here are two tasty and nutritious recipes, which highlight oranges:
For more information about Hunger Action Month visit: https://feedingwestchester.org/hunger-action-month.
Interested in learning more about eating healthy on budget? Our Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables program provides free, exciting workshops on a host of nutrition and wellness topics. Email our nutritionist, Alyssa Advincula for more information: aadvincula@feedingwestchester.org
For other nutrition questions or inquires, e-mail our nutrition resource manager, Monique Marshall at: mmarshall@feedingwestchester.org.
Due to weather conditions, our office will be closed on Monday, February 23. We have coordinated with our partners and made the necessary arrangements.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our work across Westchester.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our offices are closed today, January 19. Food donation drop-off remains open, and your support helps ensure neighbors across Westchester have access to fresh, healthy food.
