Healthy Food Policy

Purpose: SECOM is committed to providing nutritious food to its neighbors. It is widely recognized that nutrition is a key component in maintaining health and preventing chronic disease. There is strong evidence that those affected by food insecurity are at the highest risk for obesity and other diet related illnesses. We believe that every person has the right to access healthy foods.

 Nutrition Guidelines: The nutritional guidelines SECOM will use, follow the recommendations from the “Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Americans”

 SECOM will prioritize distributing:

·            Fresh vegetables and fruits
·            Whole grain products
·            Food low in sodium/ Food low in sugar
·            Lean sources of protein (plant and animal sources; canned, dried, or frozen)
·            Fruits that are minimally processed (canned, frozen, or dried; whole, cut-up, or pureed) or 100% fruit juice
·            Vegetables that are minimally processed (frozen, canned, or dried/dehydrated; whole, cut-up, or mashed) or 100%                               vegetable juice
·            Dairy products that are high in calcium, but also low in fat
·            Beverages including: 100% fruit or vegetable  juice, skim/low-fat milk, bottled water
·            Basic staple foods that tend  to provide  the best nutrition per dollar

SECOM will not distribute:

·           All diet or regular sodas in bottles or cans and other sugary, non-nutrient dense beverages (i.e. energy drinks, vitamin                            waters, punches or “ades”, sweetened iced teas, or Frappuccinos)
·           Hard candy and lollipops
·           Gum
·           Chocolate bars or pieces (not including meal replacement, diet supplement or sport bars)
·           Soft candy (i.e. marshmallows, caramels, taffy , licorice, gummy items)

Nutrition Rationale: These foods contain little to no vitamins, minerals, or other protective nutrients for the body. When eaten in excess, they lead to an increase in obesity, heart disease, and diabetes risks. These foods are also often more accessible for people on a limited food budget.

Donated Products:

·         SECOM will consider the nutritional value of any donation offered.
·         In addition to foods that SECOM will not ever distribute, donations of cookies, snack cakes, and chips will not be accepted

 We will share our nutritional values and preferences with those donors and we will work with them to determine better healthier food options that can be donated to us or locate an alternative location to distribute their donations.