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Healthy Pantry Training Resources
Welcome, food pantry staff and volunteers! The resources below can help your team learn more about promoting health and nutrition in a way that makes the most sense for your pantry. Please note that these resources contain recommended best practices rather than requirements for Gleaners agency pantries.
Offering Choice
Having a pantry environment that allows guests to choose their own food is an essential foundation to nutrition nudges. Offering choice creates a more dignified pantry experience and ensures that guests can choose the foods that best fit their household's dietary needs and preferences.
Nutrition Guidelines
Knowing which foods to promote as "nutritious" or "healthy" can be a challenge! Use the guidelines below to follow a standardized system that will make promoting nutrition as easy as possible. For more information about SWAP or for resources to get your pantry started in using this system, click here. You can also reach out to Sarah Wilson, Nutrition Manager, at [email protected].
Food Demo & Pairing Resources
Looking for an easy way to start implementing nutrition nudges? Try offering samples, cooking demos, and recipes in your pantry, or experiment with displaying foods in ways that inspire healthy meals. Use the resources below for more ideas!
Food Safety & Food Allergy Resources
Food safety and allergen awareness are just as important in food pantries as they are in other food establishments. Contact your Gleaners Local Service Manager if you would like more information about food safety training courses.
Cultural Competency, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources
It is important to understand and recognize the unique needs, backgrounds, and experiences of the neighbors you serve at your pantry. This helps ensure a dignified experience and drive positive change in your community!
Other Healthy Pantry Toolkits & Community Resources
There are SO many resources available to support and complement your food pantry's work in promoting health and nutrition. Below are some of our favorites from various local and national organizations.
Indy Hunger Network Virtual Pantry Summit Session (1/26/21) - A panel of health and nutrition experts shares some simple changes you can make in your food pantry to improve client health
Special Considerations for COVID-19
We understand that the pandemic has caused many changes and new challenges in our everyday life, especially for the operation of food pantries. Consistent access to nutritious foods remains crucial for keeping our communities safe and healthy. The following resources may be helpful in navigating how to safely continue serving clients and promoting good nutrition:
Questions?
Please email Sarah Wilson, RDN, Nutrition Manager, at [email protected] with any healthy pantry questions, training needs, etc. your food pantry team may have!
Purdue Extension Community Wellness Coordinators (CWCs) are also wonderful resources for implementing healthy pantry strategies. For additional assistance, you can contact them in any of the following ways:
Purdue Extension Community Wellness Coordinators (CWCs) are also wonderful resources for implementing healthy pantry strategies. For additional assistance, you can contact them in any of the following ways:
- Email or call your local CWC directly
- Submit a request at eatgathergo.org
