God's Pantry

1. Statement of Purpose: God’s Pantry serves food insecure individuals and families in four Northwest Arkansas communities: Gateway, Garfield, Avoca and Pea Ridge. The purpose of this nutrition policy is to guide food pantry decisions about the foods to acquire and distribute. God’s Pantry will support the healthy diets of our clients and ease food insecurity. Our nutrition policy communicates to clients, partner agencies, donors, government programs, local businesses, local churches, corporate and community partners, and the community-at-large that we are committed to providing nutritious foods to clients. 2. Food Inventory Sources Covered by This Policy: This policy applies to all foods and beverages acquired by God’s Pantry for distribution to our clients. God’s Pantry will not actively seek out foods such as chips, low nutritional snack foods and desserts, such as cakes, candy, muffins, pastries, donuts, pies or sugar sweetened beverages. 3. Healthful Foods Covered by This Policy: This policy is based on the Healthy Eating Research’s (HER) Nutrition Guidelines for the Charitable Food System framework. In accordance with this nutrition policy, we aim to actively seek, procure and distribute the following foods when appropriate and possible: A. Fruit and Vegetables – including: Fresh produce, including more colorful varieties, because they are rich in nutrients and low in calories Frozen fruits and vegetables packed without syrup or sauces Fruits canned in water, 100% juice, or “lite” syrup. Vegetables canned with no added salt or reduced sodium 100% fruit or vegetable juice B. Whole Grain and Whole Grain-Rich Foods – particularly: 100% whole grains such as rolled oats, barley, wild rice and brown rice Whole grain-rich bread, pasta and tortillas that contain whole grain as first ingredient. Whole grain-rich cereals that contain whole grain as first ingredient C. Lean Proteins – including: Meat, poultry, seafood, and beans that are low-fat and low sodium Eggs when available Nuts and seeds (no added salt), including spreads such as peanut butter Beans and lentils, dried or canned with no salt added or reduced sodium D. Dairy and Dairy Substitutes – including: Plain milk and yogurt, prioritizing low-fat (1%) or skim/non-fat milk and yogurt, unflavored/unsweetened Milk substitutes, particularly unsweetened milk substitutes (e.g., soy milk, almond milk) Flavored milk or milk substitutes meeting HER nutrition guidelines Flavored yogurt meeting HER nutrition guidelines Cheese, prioritizing reduced fat or low-fat Foods Not Covered by This Policy: Many types of foods and beverages not identified in the policy are typically received by our food pantry.* We recognize that many of these foods are high in added salt, sugar and/or fat and are therefore less healthy than the foods described in the policy. However, they provide clients with some important nutrients and the ability to serve quick and easy meals. When possible, we will seek out lower fat, sodium and sugar, and higher fiber and protein versions of these foods. *Examples include condiments, syrups boxed meals, fruit spreads, etc.