NM Food Bank Goes the Distance to Reach Indigenous Communities

The baby boomer generation is aging, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be particularly challenging, especially regarding access to nutritious meals. Recent data indicates that nearly 14% of individuals aged 60 and older in Illinois experienced food insecurity within the last year.

In response to this pressing issue, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker enacted the Illinois Grocery Initiative in 2023, aiming to provide incentives for grocers to establish operations in neighborhoods that lack access to food.

Christiana Williams, a registered dietitian, highlighted that the lack of access to food is often compounded by psychological and mobility challenges. “Many seniors are living alone and may no longer be able to drive,” Williams explained. “This isolation can significantly impact their motivation to go out and select healthy options. Losing the independence they once had can be incredibly frustrating.”

Williams also pointed out that physical limitations, such as arthritis or difficulties with chewing, can further obstruct their ability to maintain a balanced diet. Many seniors find it challenging to stand for long periods, making meal preparation a daunting task.

According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics, individuals aged 65 and older account for 11% of Illinois’ population. Despite their best intentions to eat healthily, many seniors may require additional support.

Williams advised that consulting with professionals trained in menu planning can be beneficial. “Many supermarkets employ dietitians, and numerous private practice dietitians accept Medicaid and insurance,” she noted. “It’s essential for family members and friends to be aware of these resources and connect them with the seniors in their lives.”

Moreover, Williams emphasized that many seniors live on fixed incomes, which can limit their food choices and contribute to the misconception that healthy food is unaffordable. She recommends following general nutritional guidelines, understanding individual dietary needs, and employing strategic grocery and meal planning.

Separately, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a broad recall of Boar’s Head deli meats due to listeria contamination, leading to nearly 60 hospitalizations and 10 fatalities. Jose Brandao, an assistant professor of food sciences at Utah State University, stated that while the U.S. has robust food-safety policies, effective implementation is often lacking.

“Sanitation must be performed correctly and consistently,” Brandao explained, noting that listeria can form biofilms, which make it harder to eliminate the bacteria once established. Such biofilms are involved in many bacterial infections, including foodborne diseases, with poor sanitation frequently at the core of the problem.

Demanding improved food safety culture, Brandao stressed that regulation alone is not enough. “It’s about fostering an environment where employees understand the importance of food safety,” he remarked. Simple practices like handwashing and sanitizing food-contact surfaces are crucial.

In light of previous reports concerning mold, insects, and animal residue, Boar’s Head has decided to shut down its Virginia facility linked to the outbreak. Brandao noted that such incidents affect not only a company but also the industry overall, leading to decreased production levels, reduced sales, and diminished public trust.

He emphasized the need for further research into food safety and an increase in scientific support to mitigate the frequency of food-related outbreaks.

September is Hunger Action Month, and in North Dakota, efforts extend beyond food banks. Community Health Centers, federally qualified clinics, provide primary care regardless of insurance status, aiming to assist underserved populations in accessing nutritious food.

Shannon Bacon, director of equity and external affairs at the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas, noted that since 2021, regional health centers have enhanced patient screenings to assess needs, including food security.

“For example, they may ask if, in the last 12 months, individuals were concerned about their food running out before they could afford more,” she explained.

This type of conversation helps eliminate stigma related to hunger, and Bacon believes this comprehensive approach in primary care can lead to improved health outcomes. Collaborating with the Great Plains Food Bank, some health centers have established onsite pantries, allowing patients who screen positive for food insecurity to take home fresh produce and other wholesome items.

Furthermore, during these screenings, individuals may be referred to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), addressing the awareness gap where eligible patients may not know how to access food assistance in their communities. “One health center discovered that many interested patients hadn’t visited a pantry in the last year,” she added.

By integrating questions about food security into wellness visits, health practitioners can better support those slipping through the community safety net.