Donating to Better Health

Healthy eating can be challenging when grocery stores are not nearby; transportation options are limited; neighborhood stores offer few choices; and prices are high. Many residents rely on food pantries within their community to get the foods they need.  However, local food pantries have not always been able to offer healthy options. Small pantries often have limited capacity to accept, store and distribute healthier food items.

Recent Changes

Through several grant funded programs, CCHD has been able to help our local food pantries increase their ability to offer fresh foods and a wider variety of healthier choices. Many pantries now have more refrigerator, freezer and storage space for fresh produce and other healthier options. Marketing practices, adapted to the pantry environment, promote foods with higher nutritional values. Pantry directors, staff and volunteers have received training and resources to help them identify and encourage selection of nutritious foods.

Food Drives and Donations

Donated foods make up about 30% of the inventory in Clinton County pantries. Improving the nutritional quality of donated foods is one way to improve the health of our community. The next time you donate, consider donating healthy as detailed in the guidance found here.

Organizations that conduct food drives can steer the public toward healthier donations too. Check out our Food Drive Planning Guide or request a Donating to Better Health Food Drive Kit. To get a free kit, call 518-565-4993 today.

Updated 06/14/2024