by Monica Palmer
Most mornings around my house, I’m known as the protein pusher. I’m always trying to find ways to get my kids and husband to get more protein in their breakfast.
I’m a big believer in starting the day with a protein-packed breakfast, because there is a ton of research that shows protein in the morning helps us build more lean muscle throughout the day and keeps us fuller longer. It even helps stave off diet-crashing cravings later in the day.
So, when I’m sending my kids off in the morning, I’m doling out nuts and shoving cheese sticks in their hands on the way out the door.
Unfortunately, for food insecure families who rely on assistance from food pantries, protein is often in short supply. Studies show that food pantry clients have a low intake of protein. This is largely due to the fact that protein is more expensive to produce and to buy. Protein producers are exceptionally diligent at making sure there is not a lot of waste, which means there is less excess inventory to donate to food banks for distribution.
Protein represents just 1 percent of the donations the Feeding America network receives each year.
Children and seniors are especially in need of a protein rich diet. Kids are developing the lean muscle which will allow them to be active and healthy, and seniors need animal and plant-based protein to stave off the loss of muscle mass and strength.
The six Feeding America food banks in Missouri are making great strides to put more protein in the hands of the people we serve, but we can’t do it alone.
The next time you bring a donation to your local food pantry or food drive, think protein. Grab peanut butter, beans, nuts or soups with animal protein. You can also donate funds to increase the purchasing power of your food bank, so they can procure more protein for hungry Missourians.
Together, we can push for more protein and a stronger Missouri.