Feeding America Launches Healthy Food Bank Hub

New microsite serves as a platform for addressing food insecurity as a public health issue

CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger-relief organization, in partnership with National Dairy Council and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, announce the launch of the Healthy Food Bank Hub – an innovative microsite of feedingamerica.org. The microsite (healthyfoodbankhub.feedingamerica.org) was developed with support from fellow partners and network food banks, as well as an educational grant from the National Dairy Council in an effort to provide a platform for the growing conversation between public health and hunger-relief professionals on the issues of food insecurity, improved nutrition and reducing the risk of diet-related diseases.

The partnership comes as nearly 49 million people in the U.S. live in food-insecure households, meaning they live at risk of hunger. At the same time, diet-related diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes are at epidemic levels. While all segments of the population are impacted by obesity, vulnerable populations, including many of the people served by the Feeding America network, are often disproportionately impacted. Through the Healthy Food Bank Hub, Feeding America and its partners are working to equip hunger-relief and nutrition professionals with tools and resources that not only address food insecurity but also promote good nutrition, health and wellness in communities across the country.

"It is our hope that the Healthy Food Bank Hub will help to bridge efforts addressing food insecurity and poor nutrition by providing a platform to connect hunger-relief and nutrition professionals, as well as provide the information, tools and inspirational ideas that help empower families and individuals when and where they need it most," said Michelle Berger Marshall, director of nutrition at Feeding America.

The Healthy Food Bank Hub serves as an asset for nutrition education by providing handouts, evaluations and healthy, budget-friendly recipes for food banks and community organizations. All materials provided on the microsite have been evaluated and approved by nutrition professionals from all three partner organizations and member representatives.

"On behalf of America's dairy farmers who had a vision to address improving access to nutrient-rich foods such as milk and milk products to the food insecure, we are thrilled to be partnering with Feeding America to launch the Healthy Food Bank Hub," said Jean Ragalie-Carr, RD, president of National Dairy Council. "Food insecurity and health are interconnected; Americans, especially growing and developing children, need and deserve quality nutrition for their well-being. It's time we prioritize collaboration between the nutrition and hunger-relief sectors, and recognize food insecurity as a public health issue."

The Healthy Food Bank Hub will connect public health and nutrition professionals with opportunities to learn more about hunger in their communities. In addition, the site will detail how the Feeding America network of food banks is working to promote health and nutrition among food-insecure populations and what public health professionals can do to get engaged.

"The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has made food insecurity a priority for nearly 100 years," said registered dietitian nutritionist Kathy McClusky, chair of the Academy's Foundation. "We must help increase awareness of food insecurity while also providing evidence-based solutions to reducing obesity. Working together, registered dietitians and food banks are uniquely positioned to address poor nutrition, hunger and health."

The Healthy Food Bank Hub is a public-facing microsite, allowing universal access to its tools, resources and information. To learn more, please visit www.healthyfoodbankhub.org or www.feedingamerica.org.

About Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger™.

About the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

About National Dairy Council®
National Dairy Council® (NDC) is a farmer-founded, non-profit organization committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. Established in 1915, NDC is dedicated to sharing science-based expertise on the vital role dairy foods play in a healthy lifestyle, which includes addressing hunger and helping ensure every American has access to nutrient-rich foods. Milk, cheese and yogurt contribute important nutrients that nourish Americans, especially children. Ensuring access to nutritious foods in schools and beyond is a priority for NDC.

Media Contact:
Lucio Guerrero, (312) 629-7219
[email protected]

SOURCE Feeding America