"Rethinking Food Pantries"
The Healthy Food Initiative
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The Interchange Food Pantry dedication to combating hunger and food insecurity is shown through the Healthy Food Initiative (HFI). The efforts within HFI enhance the quality of life for Milwaukee's socially disadvantaged residents by ensuring our guests have consistent access to nutrient-rich foods. The HFI not only alleviates the challenges of food insecurity but also contributes to the overall improvement of community health.
We firmly believe that our guests should have access to the same nutritious foods middle-class American families enjoy.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
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IFP stands out in its dedication to providing fresh fruits and vegetables to our guests, a distinction uncommon among food pantries. Our Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP) focuses on purchasing fresh produce that is commonly enjoyed and culturally relevant to our guests through partnerships with wholesale produce companies.
Why do we do this?
The primary reason for purchasing the “right” fresh fruits and vegetables is that most donated fruits and vegetables received from food banks or grocery stores are of poor quality, lack of variety, not consumer-friendly, or available, making our proactive approach necessary. The FFVP ensures our guests have reliable access to healthy, fresh produce all year round. Our guests receive at least six servings of culturally appropriate, fresh fruits and vegetables per visit.
Abundant research shows that beyond fulfilling basic nutritional needs, fruit and vegetable consumption helps protect against obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain forms of cancer, depression, and other prevalent chronic diseases in our community.
Protein Plus Program
IFP's second priority is increasing access to healthy high-protein foods by providing two or more foods totaling at least 15 grams of protein per serving to all guests at every visit. Many foods offered in typical food pantries tend to be low in protein. Research shows that consuming adequate lean protein helps people stay fuller longer, helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and supports the preservation of lean body mass, especially in those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Protein items given to our guests include frozen meats of chicken, beef, and pork. Peanut butter and cheese, especially for children, is always a priority to have on hand. Other protein items include legumes, rice, and protein bars.
Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway
IFP believes our guests deserve the dignity of a Thanksgiving meal. IFP believes sharing a Thanksgiving meal builds rapport throughout the community, improves mental health, and helps ease the stress of poverty and food insecurity during the Holidays.
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The Thanksgiving Giveaway provides a nutritionally balanced Thanksgiving meal that includes a choice of turkey or ham, Thanksgiving trimmings like stuffing and green bean casserole, and 20 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Your donation helps Interchange continue its community programs that make a positive impact on countless lives.
(414) 551-2184