The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and Eastern Shore Celebrates Healthy Heart Month through Free Screenings and Nutrition Education

Foodbank to provide health screenings, personal training, and heart healthy food to tackle inequities in healthcare access, one of the root causes of food insecurity  

WHAT: The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, in collaboration with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, will host a series of events throughout the month of February to provide heart healthy food and promote overall heart wellness to those who use the Foodbank’s services.

As part of the Foodbank’s commitment to uncovering the root causes of food insecurity, which includes access to healthcare, individuals will receive free health screenings as well as wellness and nutrition education. The events will provide resources related to health, fitness, and healthy food options, and resources to assist individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.                               

Health Component: ODU School of Nursing will be conducting

  • Blood pressure screening
  • HgA1C Assessment (which can tell someone’s average blood sugar over the last 6 weeks)
  • Cholesterol Screenings
  • Hearing Screening
  • Heathy Heart Education: (from the American Heart Association)

Fitness/ Wellness Component:

  • Personal trainer will be available

Food Component:

  • Healthy Food Options
  • Food Pantry Information (Foodbank)
  • Nutrition information (Foodbank & ODU)
  • Food Cards (from ODU)
  • Information on SNAP Benefits

WHO: Healthy Heart Month Days is free and open to the public. Old Dominion University School of Nursing will be on site to conduct health screenings.

WHERE: 

Feb. 2: Greenbrier YMCA – 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Feb. 15: YMCA on Granby – 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 23: Indian River YMCA – 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

About the Foodbank  

For over 35 years, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has provided over 300 million meals to those in our community who face hunger. Through our programs, facilities, and large network of community partners, we “eliminate hunger” on a daily basis for many. However, we understand that our current work addresses hunger for individuals in the short term. It does not address the root causes which force individuals to return to a food pantry again and again. This understanding has led to the creation of a 3-year strategic plan aimed to move Hampton Roads closer to achieving the mission of eliminating hunger for those we serve—only for the day, or for the week, but for a lifetime. For up-to-date information on the Foodbank, visit www.foodbankonline.org, Facebook, or Twitter.

Media Contact:

Kelli Webb, The KBD Group
kelliwebb@thekbdgroup.com
(757) 470-1200