America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend

Americas Second Harvest of the Big Bend sought out to continue to fight the hunger epidemic. This past summer Rachel Mohler and other members of Second Harvest filled a school bus with food and beverages and drove to several different locations to feed children. Mohler decided to get the bus remodeled by adding in benches where the seats usually are, a wheelchair accessible ramp, and a hand washing station.

During Mohler’s interview she stated that she enjoyed the event and would like to do it again, but in order to do that she needs more funding. Although the bus is fixed, it does need more work. For instance the bus needs air conditioning, a set driver, music and a deep cleaning.

Food was donated from several agencies and business around the Leon County. About 3,000 meals were handed out to children. For the next food bus run Mohler said you can find out the location on their website, press releases, radio stations or by simply calling the office.

Several volunteers give their free time to those in need by coming to the office to organize, clean and separate the donated food by categories. One person cannot do this job, and in order to make it another successful hit Second Harvest will need the community to come out and give a helping hand.

All donations will be accepted either by phone or online through Second Harvest’s website.

Sodium Intake in Children

The rise in the sodium intake in children has gotten higher over the past two years.

Children now have the ability to sometimes command to their parents what they want to eat and what they do not. Most of the time its usually fast food, which entails chicken nuggets, pizza, French fries and more. Giving in to your child needs everyday for what seems as a quick after school snack could possibly hurt your child in the long run.

Heather Fisher, registered dietician, said during our interview that trying to get your child to make their lunch with you could be fun. Cut their sandwiches in cool shapes and designs. And also don’t just give them turkey and ham because that alone can be salty and boring.

If you want your child to be healthy, there are other alternatives besides candy, chips and cookies. Give them fresh veggies with a side of ranch or blue cheese. Or make them a bag of trail mix with unsalted peanuts or cashews and add M&M’s and raisins to the bag to give them the best of both worlds. 

Most fathers and mothers are so young these days that they don’t know how to cook a healthy home cooked meal for themselves or their child. While interviewing DeMorio Waymon, single father to a one- year-old said, his son eats exactly what he eats. Usually their food options are McDonalds, Burger King and pizza.

Some of the top leading food sources is pizza, cheese, pasta, breads and cold cuts. The general amount of sodium should be no more than 2,300 mg a day. And if your child is already diabetic or have kidney disease then it should be no more than 1,500 mg a day.

Not paying attention to what your child consumes on the daily could set them up for hypertension and heart disease. Start feeding your child meals that will help them health wise now and in the long run. Your child is an example of who you are and sometimes what you do.

If they see you only eat out five to seven times a week, then that is exactly what they will do. Lead by example and make life long changes now for the near and far future.