Statement of Purpose

Since our start in 1982, Tarrant Area Food Bank has supplied food to help families in need. We believe that access to healthy food is a basic human right and that all people deserve consistent, nutritious meals. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure that the food we distribute is high quality, nutritious and safe. The purpose of this policy is to support and guide food acquisition and distribution decisions and to encourage and emphasize health as a focus. This policy applies to food and beverages donated by the food industry and for those purchased by the food bank for all programs. Partners of TAFB are encouraged to adopt this policy as a guideline for promoting healthful food choices and when choosing food for their pantries.

Policy Rationale and Benefits

Nutrition affects the onset, management, and outcome of many health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers1. Supported by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and HER Nutrition Guidelines for Charitable Food Systems2, the foods we distribute are intended to promote good health and decrease nutrition-related disease for the people we serve.

Those served by Tarrant Area Food Bank and its agency partners have limited access or limited resources to buy the nutritious foods that are critical to their overall health, growth, and development. Tarrant Area Food Bank is committed to providing healthy foods to those we serve.

Allowing choice brings dignity to food assistance. Foods with lower nutrient value can find a place in a healthy meal plan. However, our goal is to focus on foods that can positively impact the health of those we serve.

Healthful Foods to Encourage

We encourage the following foods to promote good health:

• Lean proteins, such as meat, poultry, seafood; eggs; nuts, seeds, beans and lentils
• Fruits and vegetables
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Canned or frozen fruits – fruit packed in water or in its own juice
  • Canned or frozen vegetables – low-sodium or no salt added
• Low-fat dairy foods
• Whole grains and whole grain-rich foods

Products to Redirect

Tarrant Area Food Bank does not accept or distribute:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Candy
• Soft Drinks
• Energy Drinks
• Tobacco and items containing nicotine
• Items containing CBD or THC or other cannabinoids
• Diet products containing appetite suppressants
• Items that suggest performance enhancement
• Items that we deem are non-nutritious

Foods Not Covered by This Policy (Exceptions)

United States Department of Agriculture
Texas Department of Agriculture

Resources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). Last reviewed September 8, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/nutrition.htm.  
2. Schwartz M, Levi R, Lott M, Arm K, Seligman H. Healthy Eating Research Nutrition Guidelines for the Charitable Food System. Durham, NC: Healthy Eating Research; 2020. Available at http://healthyeatingresearch.org