Insecurity.
Thanksgiving is almost here and in honor of the holiday season, we would like to offer a few tips for donating to our Holistic Produce Pantry this year. Last year, festivities may have been limited due to social distancing regulations, but with the vaccination rate higher than ever, it is time for families to gather once more over a warm, delicious meal. Hope to Thrive wants to ensure that everyone in the Winston Salem area can take part in this tradition, by offering its services to the many families affected by food insecurity.
Despite making it through the worst part of the pandemic, it is projected that 42 million people (1 in 8) may experience food insecurity in 2021. This number is a slight improvement from last year, but it doesn’t take into account the devastating effects that the pandemic has already had on the community. Food insecurity also encompasses the general lack of nutrition that is caused by reliance on foods that are cheap and affordable, but not necessarily the healthiest. Over time, this leads to obesity and other metabolic-related disorders that are difficult to treat with the lack of access to healthcare that food-insecure populations already face.
We want to encourage friends of Hope To Thrive to consider giving to those in need, by donating to the Holistic Produce Pantry. We will have our usual grocery produce pick up Thursday, and will welcome additional donations of produce. We always welcome nonperishable items that have a high shelf life including canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, spices, and powdered milk. If you want to be festive, we will accept seasonal items such as stuffing mix, biscuit or roll mix, potatoes (boxed or canned), canned gravy, canned cranberry sauce, and pie mixes. Options that are low in sodium are also appreciated for those affected by chronic illnesses. The Holistic Produce Pantry will be open from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on November 24, 2021, at 5056 Butterfield Drive. For more information about the food pantry, please visit https://www.hope2thrive.com/holistic-food-pantry/.
By: Cecilia Taylor, APPLES Intern