Nutrition plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity. To explore this connection, we spoke with Alex Sanchez, a dietitian and founder of Nutrition Harmony who has been working with us since March 2024. Here’s what she shared about her role, her passion for nutrition, and the impact of food insecurity on health.
Q: When did you begin working with The Salem Pantry, and what is your role?
Alex: I officially began with the pantry in March 2024, but I was involved earlier as a volunteer, helping provide advice through The Pantry’s partnership with Mass General Brigham, where I work as a dietitian. . Through my private practice, Nutrition Harmony, I offer consulting services for local nonprofits, focusing on improving the nutrition of foods served and meeting the communities’ cultural, dietary, and religious needs.
Q: What inspired you to work in nutrition, particularly in food insecurity?
Alex: I grew up in a multicultural household—my mom is from France, and my dad is from the Dominican Republic—which fueled my interest in different foods and cultures. Living with type 1 diabetes made nutrition something I had to be mindful of. I also experienced times when food access was challenging, which drives my passion for helping people access foods, understand the resources available in their communities, and make the foods they receive more nutritious to better support their health.
Q: What have you learned about The Salem Pantry’s work in your time with us?
Alex: I love the programming and the work that The Salem Pantry is doing. I’ve learned so much about the benefits of the client choice model in food pantries. Having the ability to choose and opt for the foods that you want creates a better appreciation and opportunity to learn more about the food. The Pantry’s commitment to improving the health of guests by making the foods more nutritious is impressive and inspiring, especially for those facing challenges in meeting their nutrient needs or managing chronic conditions.
Q: Can you explain the connection between food insecurity and health?
Alex: There’s a strong connection between food insecurity, nutrition, health, and well-being. It impacts both our mental and physical health. Many facing food insecurity prioritize survival, which often means food can’t be front of mind or the healthiest options are overlooked. This relates to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where safety and basic survival take precedence, making it hard for individuals to focus on healthier eating and allowing The Pantry to facilitate this with the food options provided.
Q: How do you educate pantry guests about healthy eating?
Alex: Educating pantry guests about healthy eating involves addressing several challenges. Many community members receive foods that may not be culturally relevant, and some may lack the knowledge or skills to prepare them. We aim to provide fun and easy opportunities for education, using gentle nudges to guide guests toward healthier options. This includes offering recipes and signage that highlight different ways to use the foods they receive. By constantly exposing them to new ideas and options without being forceful, we increase awareness of the nutritional value of these foods and how to use them.
Q: What are the long-term societal impacts of food insecurity, and how does The Salem Pantry help?
Alex: Food insecurity leads to an increased risk of diabetes, difficulties maintaining weight, malnutrition, and greater risks for cardiovascular diseases and cancer. It can also impact children, leading to poor school performance and confidence issues. The Salem Pantry plays an amazing role in combating these effects by nourishing the community and helping meet basic needs, allowing individuals to focus on higher levels of safety and self-esteem.