Foods to Encourage

The Foods to Encourage (F2E) framework, developed by Feeding America, promotes nutritious food that is often lacking and unaffordable by those we serve. The Foods to Encourage framework aligns with recommendations from USDA’s MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The framework promotes the consumption of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. F2E provides Second Harvest with tools that assist us in measuring the nutrition quality of the food we distribute, and helps us promote healthy eating to those we serve.

Our Nutrition Position

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, we are working to close the meal gap every day. Because that means more than simply providing calories, we strive to solicit, obtain and distribute as many nutrient-rich foods as possible.

Our warehouses receive a wide range of food products varying in nutritional value every day. We believe that all types of food can fit within a healthy diet and we understand that every individual we serve has food preferences.

Knowing this, we choose not to reject food and beverage donations based on nutrient quality. Through nutrition education and the distribution of nutrient-rich foods, we strive to feed the hungry, help them make healthier food choices and positively impact the health of Central Floridians.

The nutrition position statement of Second Harvest Food Bank incorporates the following concepts:

• We accept all donated foods
• All types of food can fit in a balanced diet
• Individuals exercise choice in food selection
• We encourage healthy choices

In the coming years, we will continue to expand our reach and strive to make our community healthier by feeding hope, fighting hunger and fueling health.

For more information, please contact:
Maureen Hawkins
Health and Hunger Director
Phone: 407-514-1070
Email: mhawkins@feedhopenow.org