Apr10
Covid-19 Fundraising Guide (1)_1.pdf
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A new study shows one in three U.S. adults with a chronic disease has trouble affording food, medicine or both.
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According to the study, people who struggle to pay for food are more likely to skip doses of medications because of the cost. More than 81 percent of these people have incomes at or above the federal poverty level, meaning they don’t always qualify for public assistance.
Consistent medical treatment and a healthy diet are both critical to managing chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and even mental illness. But many of the Central Texans we serve have to choose between healthy food and medicine, and some can’t really afford either.
When our clients struggle to afford food, they often have to turn to cheap, processed foods that are higher in calories and less nutrient-rich. Such a diet can be detrimental to someone living with a chronic illness.
That’s why the Food Bank has such a variety of programs and services. We work with local retailers and farmers to ensure we have plenty of fresh produce, lean proteins and whole grains to meet all our clients’ dietary needs.
Our nutrition educators help clients of all ages learn cooking skills, food safety and healthy eating on a budget. They incorporate common food pantry items into every recipe.
And our social service outreach team helps clients determine if they qualify and navigate the process of applying for a variety of public programs, including food stamps and Medicaid.
The people we serve shouldn’t have to choose between food and medicine, and we strive to ensure they never do.
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According to the study, people who struggle to pay for food are more likely to skip doses of medications because of the cost. More than 81 percent of these people have incomes at or above the federal poverty level, meaning they don’t always qualify for public assistance.
Consistent medical treatment and a healthy diet are both critical to managing chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and even mental illness. But many of the Central Texans we serve have to choose between healthy food and medicine, and some can’t really afford either.
When our clients struggle to afford food, they often have to turn to cheap, processed foods that are higher in calories and less nutrient-rich. Such a diet can be detrimental to someone living with a chronic illness.
That’s why the Food Bank has such a variety of programs and services. We work with local retailers and farmers to ensure we have plenty of fresh produce, lean proteins and whole grains to meet all our clients’ dietary needs.
Our nutrition educators help clients of all ages learn cooking skills, food safety and healthy eating on a budget. They incorporate common food pantry items into every recipe.
And our social service outreach team helps clients determine if they qualify and navigate the process of applying for a variety of public programs, including food stamps and Medicaid.
The people we serve shouldn’t have to choose between food and medicine, and we strive to ensure they never do.
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