March is National Nutrition Month: Food Connects Us

The Power of Nutrition in Building Healthier Communities

At Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center (KCHC), we understand that nutrition is more than just what we eat—it’s about community and access to healthy choices. Whether sharing a meal with family, engaging in local food programs, or learning how to nourish our bodies effectively, nutrition is a universal language that brings us together.

Why Nutrition Matters

Good nutrition is essential for:

• Preventing Chronic Diseases – Poor diet is linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, balanced eating patterns can significantly reduce these risks.
• Enhancing Mental Health – What we eat affects mood, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being.
• Boosting Immune Health – Nutrient-rich foods help the body fight infections and stay resilient.
• Improving Quality of Life – Healthy eating leads to increased energy, better sleep, and overall well-being.

Food & Culture: The Social Power of Meals

Food is not just about nutrients—it’s deeply tied to traditions, family, and social connection. Studies show that people who share meals with family and friends tend to make healthier food choices and develop positive lifelong eating habits.

In Southeast Wisconsin, where diverse cultures contribute to a rich food landscape, embracing culturally inclusive nutrition habits ensures that everyone can enjoy a balanced diet that aligns with their traditions and lifestyles. Whether it’s incorporating local produce from farmers’ markets, preparing traditional family recipes with a healthy twist, or joining a community meal program, food can bring people together while supporting good health.

Healthy Eating: Fact vs. Fiction

There are many nutrition myths circulating that can make it challenging to make the best food choices. Let’s debunk a few.

Fiction: Fresh produce is always healthier than frozen or canned.
Realidad: Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables retain nutrients just as well as fresh produce, and they can be a cost-effective way to eat healthy year-round. Look for low-sodium and no-added-sugar options.

Fiction: Carbohydrates are bad for you.
Realidad: Carbohydrates are essential for energy. Whole grains, fruits, and legumes provide fiber and essential nutrients. The key is choosing complex carbs over refined ones.

Fiction: You need to take expensive supplements to be healthy.
Realidad: While some individuals may need supplements, a well-balanced diet should provide most essential nutrients.

Making Healthy Eating a Priority

Access to nutritious food is not always easy, particularly for those facing food insecurity or lack of nutrition education. That’s why Pillar Health and KCHC are committed to supporting the Southeast Wisconsin community through nutrition counseling, access to fresh food resources, and health education.

Five Simple Ways to Improve Nutrition 

1. Make Half Your Plate Fruits & Vegetables – Choose a variety of colors to maximize nutrients.
2. Elija cereales integrales – Opt for whole wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa over refined grains. Reduce intake of foods made with white flour such as white bread, crackers, and sugary cereals.
3. Include Lean Protein – Beans, nuts, fish, and lean meats provide essential nutrients.
4. Manténgase hidratado – Water is essential for overall health. Limit sugary drinks and excessive caffeine.
5. Cook More at Home – Preparing meals at home allows for better control of ingredients and portion sizes.

CONDADO DE KENOSHA

Comida Sobre Ruedas – Operated by Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services, Inc. (KAFASI), the Meals on Wheels program helps elderly, sick, and disabled individuals remain in their own homes with support from caring community members. Through Meals on Wheels, home-delivered meals are provided to those who are unable to prepare their own food and are at risk of needing nursing home care. These meals are nutritionally balanced, thoughtfully prepared for great taste, and tailored to meet healthy portion sizes and specific dietary needs.

Centro Shalom – Kenosha County’s only homeless shelter, largest food pantry, and longest-running nightly meal program. Provides housing, food, guidance, and support to individuals and families in need.

The Salvation Army Kenosha County Corps Food Pantry – Offers a grocery store-style pantry where residents can access perishable and non-perishable food items once a month upon registration.

El Centro de Intercambio – Provides food assistance for Kenosha County residents, particularly those living west of I-94, along with additional support programs.

WIC – WIC provides healthy food through an eWIC card that can be used at grocery stores. Meet one-on-one with a dietitian and get expert tips on feeding your family! Many working families qualify for WIC. You may be eligible if you currently receive Kinship Care, FoodShare, or Medicaid, including BadgerCare Plus.

CONDADO DE RACINE

Racine County Food Bank – Serves as the central distribution hub, supplying food free of charge to pantries, emergency shelters, community meal sites, and social service agencies throughout Racine County.

Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency (RKCAA) – Offers food and nutrition programs, including The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

CONDADO DE WALWORTH

Walworth County Food Pantry – Provides food assistance to residents in need, operating on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Chapel on the Hill – Operates a food pantry in Lake Geneva on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Mount Zion Food Pantry – Provides food assistance in Lake Geneva every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FoodShare Wisconsin – A state-run program helping low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food. Details on eligibility are provided on the application.

Gateway Technical College Connection Center – Provides a food pantry for enrolled students in need, with locations on the Kenosha and Racine campuses.