We know that a good diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. But while many of us think of a healthy diet as one that limits pizza and donuts, a new study shows we need to pay more attention to the amount of nutritious foods we eat. In the U.S., diet-related deaths were most closely linked to eating too few whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Other risk factors included too much sodium and not enough fruit and vegetables.

At EFN, we focus on distributing highly nutritious foods, such as oats and canned fruits and vegetables through our Co-op Food Purchasing Program, and by growing fresh produce at EFN’s Mother Earth Farm. Our goal is that our food pantries are a reliable source of nutritious foods for their guests so that everyone in Pierce County has access to the foods we all need for a healthy life.

Next time you support a food drive or donate food to your local food pantry, consider purchasing a whole grain (such as brown rice or pasta), low-sodium canned vegetables, and shelf-stable proteins!