Give the Gift of Health This Holiday Season

Healthy Donations

As we did last year, McCaffrey Health Center has launched a five-week fundraising blitz to raise food, funds and awareness for the Central Illinois Foodbank this holiday season. Throughout the month of December (right up until January 6), McCaffrey Health Center staff will be collecting food for the 105,000 people in the 21-county area they serve who don’t know where their next meal is coming from (Note:  35,000 of those are children).  McCaffrey Health Center has pledged to match every can donation with a one dollar monetary donation.

So what is Dr. Sean’s advice about what you should donate?

No surprises here: Healthy food.

Dr. Sean McCaffrey explains, “Since 71% of those who accessed the services of such food pantries have health issues like hypertension, high blood pressure or diabetes, having access to healthy food options is critical. Anyone who knows me knows that nutrition is one of the key pillars of perfect health, so a key first step in restoring perfect health is to start with good nutrition.”  Here are some of Dr. Sean’s top suggestions:

  • Brown rice or wheat pasta – easy to store and filling
  • Tuna or salmon – great source of omega-3 fatty acids (be sure to avoid oil packed versions that are filled with unnecessary fats)
  • Low-sodium canned vegetables and soups – lower risk of high blood pressure (canned tomatoes and pumpkin with no additives are good options)
  • Fruit in 100% fruit juice – all the fiber, none of the sugar (unsweetened applesauce is a great choice)
  • Peanut or almond butter without added sugars – high in mono saturated fat (which reduces belly fat)
  • Dry or low-sodium canned beans – high in fiber and minerals
  • Spices – a “luxury” item that adds more flavor without adding salt (mustard with no added sugar is also a great flavor-enhancing condiment that has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties)
  • Canned meats, stews, chili or jerky – getting adequate protein is a challenge, so hot chili on a cold night can be a perfect healthy option
  • Cheerios – low in sugar and full of fiber rich whole-grain oats
  • Unsalted almonds – great for healthy, low-sodium snack

Rebecca McCaffrey added, “We love this community and have seen the incredible ways that everyone rallies to the challenge of this fundraising activity. Whatever you donate, McCaffrey Health Center will match each can with $1 in monetary donation. For everyone dollar donated, the Central Illinois Foodbank can offer seven meals. That means each can you donate will go a LONG way toward helping our local community.”

Drop off your donation at our offices at 3330 Hedley Road in Springfield between now and January 6 to give the gift of health this season!