Progress by Food Banks

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/13/opinion/progress-by-food-banks.html

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To the Editor:

Re “With Food Hub, Premium Produce May Reach More New Yorkers’ Plates” (news article, Sept. 6):

A $20 million investment in premium produce brings us one step closer to aligning federal nutrition recommendations — an increased consumption of plant-based foods — with agricultural spending. I applaud this initiative.

Economically disadvantaged people have a 70 percent increased risk for diabetes and a 19 percent increased risk for hypertension. Science shows that swapping beans for beef and greens for grease can only help us combat our country’s biggest killer: our food choices.

While food banks have historically kept demand for obesity-fueling foods high, we’re starting to see a dramatic shift in how anti-hunger groups view, distribute and provide nourishment to residents in need.

AGUSTINA SAENZ

Washington

The writer, an internist, is director of nutrition education and policy, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.