Putting Policy into Practice
It’s easier than ever for low-income households to purchase cheap calories – ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese – but tough to consistently acquire nutritious foods on a limited budget.
89% of VEAP households worry sometimes or often they will run out of
food before they have money to buy more
VEAP is committed to providing high quality and nutritious food through our food programs. It is widely recognized that nutrition is a key component in maintaining health and preventing chronic disease. Strong evidence indicates those affected by food insecurity are at the highest risk for obesity and other diet related illnesses. VEAP believes that everyone should have access to healthy foods.
Nutrition Guidelines
VEAP is committed to distributing food in accordance with the recommendations from the “Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Americans” at www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2010.asp.
VEAP will emphasize collecting and distributing:
- Fresh vegetables
- Fresh fruit
- Whole grain products
- Food low in saturated and trans fats
- Food low in sodium
- Lean sources of protein (animal and vegetable sources, canned or frozen)
- Fruit that is minimally processed (canned, frozen, or dried/dehydrated, whole, cut-up or mashed) adn 100% vegetable juice
- Products that are high in calcium, but also low in fat
- Beverages including 100% fruit juice, skim/low-fat milk, bottled water
- Basic staple foods that tend to provide the best nutrition per dollar
Download a copy of VEAP’s Healthy Food Policy Fact Sheet.
