Hope in Our Community: From the Desk of Our CEO
February is American Heart Month. This federal designation is designed to shine a light on heart disease and all of the associated risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, alcohol abuse, smoking, obesity and others. Heart disease has been the number one cause of death in men and women in our country since 1950. In lower income communities, heart disease and the associated risk factors are prevalent at much higher than normal levels. At House of Hope, many of our programs and services emphasize health as a means to improve the stability and success of the households that we serve.
The most obvious way for House of Hope to have an impact on heart disease and other chronic conditions is by improving the quality and quantity of healthy foods that we provide to those we serve in our four client choice pantries and to our 35 food bank partners in Martin County and the Treasure Coast, as well as Palm Beach County. Last year, we distributed nearly 1.7 million pounds of food, with about 60% of that total being fresh fruits, veggies, meats and dairy. This is also an area where our community supporters can help us to have an impact. If you are considering donating food or organizing a food drive, focus on heart healthy non-perishable items. Think protein-packed beans, peas, and lentils, like black beans and garbanzo beans (chickpeas). Opt for whole-grain items such as brown or wild rice, quinoa, oats, whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta. Unsalted nuts, seeds, and nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, are packed with heart-healthy fats. These are great options for us to offer our clients and partners.
House of Hope also uses our six in-ground nutrition gardens, as well as our traveling nutrition garden, to provide nutrition education and gardening classes across our community. Our three newest gardens are in partnership with Martin County Parks and Recreation, thanks to generous support from Commissioners Heard and Hetherington. Last year, we reached over 12,000 children and adults with these efforts. We also own and operate Growing Hope Farm in Palm City. We focus on hydroponic growing in greenhouses and also have conventional in-ground growing, with twice weekly harvests year round to keep a steady flow of heart healthy produce reaching our most vulnerable neighbors. The farm has expanded to now include nearly 100,000 cubic feet of greenhouse space and a certified packing house.
House of Hope also operates three Centers for enrichment, including locations in Golden Gate, Jensen Beach and Indiantown. These centers offer a variety of classes and programs all at no cost to participants, including healthy cooking classes, nutrition classes, quit smoking classes and others. All of these efforts are an important part of our model as we strive to empower residents to overcome hunger and hardship. We know that healthy children are better learners, and healthy adults are better earners. This month and every month, remember the importance of heart healthy choices. To learn more about us, access services, or get involved, please visit us at www.hohmartin.org. Thank you for helping to grow hope in our community.
