The Art & Science of Healthy Food Pantry Design Erin Michelle Duru, MHS, RD, LDN, Assistant Director for Programs University of Maryland [email protected] Kathy Egan, RDN, Manager Nutrition Programs Maryland Food Bank [email protected]
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB Welcome ü Thank you for your dedication. ü What you do really matters. ü You are making a difference! We hope you enjoy this interactive workshop.
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB What is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist? (aka RD/RDN) a) That school lunch lady b) Food police – take all the fun out of eating c) One of those white-coated people seen in hospital hallways d) Healthcare professional that may work in clinical setting, food service, community, education, retail/supermarket, public health or other area….
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB What is University of Maryland Extension Office? a) A place that exxxxxtennnnnnds stuff b) Movie franchise featuring Masters of the (Garden) Universe c) Isn’t that a phone number? What’s the extension? d) Statewide program that provides nutrition education programs promoting physical activity and healthy eating.
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB • Mission: Provide nutrition education programs that assist individuals and families in making healthy eating and physical activity choices. • State-Level Goals: – Establish policies, practices, and physical environments that promote healthy eating and physical activity – Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables by low income youth and families – Increase access to fruits and vegetables for low-income youth and families A little about FSNE University of Maryland Extension
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB • Focus Areas in Maryland: – Food Access Sites: food banks, pantries, and farmers’ markets – Youth Focused Sites: Schools, preschools, and afterschool/out of school programs • Food Banks and Pantries: – Provide nutrition education resources for clients – Work with staff and volunteers to identify and train on policies, systems, and environmental changes (ie food packaging, marketing, verbal nudging, healthy donations) A little about FSNE University of Maryland Extension
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB • Is Your Pantry Ready to Make (or continue to make) Healthy Changes? – Are staff motivated and open to training opportunities? – Does your site have the capacity to make changes? – Is your site willing to make a healthy food procurement or donation policy? • Interested in Learning More About FSNE: – www.extension.umd.edu/fsne (background information) – www.eatsmart.umd.edu (client educational resources, recipes etc.) A little about FSNE University of Maryland Extension
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB • We believe that good nutrition is essential to reducing food insecurity • Manager, Nutrition Programs position created Nov 2017 • Coming this year - the first Nutrition Policy for MFB – Simple, overview – Non-judgmental philosophy, meet people where they are – Support healthy choices (not dictate or criticize) • N’EAT – Nutrition Education Activity Team – Currently recruiting nutrition education volunteers A little about FSNE University of Maryland Extension
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB Why Nutrition Matters • Many rely on food pantries for long periods of time1 • Higher rates of chronic, nutrition-related diseases among low income populations2 • Health, learning and emotions are impacted by poor nutrition3 • Food insecurity, poor health and medical costs are interrelated4 It takes more than food to end hunger
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB Your Work Changes Lives • 37 million meals distributed annually through MFB Network • Statewide Impact – From the West, through Central, down South and Eastern Shore. MFB works out of Hagerstown, Baltimore & Salisbury Nutrition strategies employed by Food Pantries
#CAUSINGCHANGEMFB Fun & Easy Nutrition Education! • Today, we’ll create some quick, inexpensive activities • Overview of activities (see packet on table) • Each table has materials to create one activity • 15 minutes • Re-group and share thoughts