by Alesha Brown, Chief Operating OfficerEating healthy shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right. But for millions of families across the United States, accessing and affording nutritious food has become an uphill battle. Despite the well-known benefits of eating fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, many households are priced out of healthy options and forced to make difficult decisions just to get through the week. In this blog, we dive into the reality of the rising cost of eating well, explore how it impacts low-income and marginalized communities, and offer practical tips to help families stretch their budgets while still making healthier choices. 🛒 Healthy Food Is Getting More ExpensiveAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index for food increased by 2.7% between February 2023 and February 2024, following a 9.5% increase the year before. While inflation is affecting all areas of life, the sharp increase in food prices has hit families hardest—especially those already living paycheck to paycheck【1】. Let’s look at how the cost of common healthy items has changed: 📉 Why Is Healthy Food So Expensive? Several factors contribute to the higher cost of nutritious foods:
🧑🤝🧑 Who’s Affected the Most? 🔍 Food Insecurity in the U.S.
These families often rely on food pantries, SNAP benefits, and community organizations like Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. to fill the gaps. 🍎 When Healthy Food Costs More, People Turn to Cheaper Options When fresh foods are out of reach, families often rely on:
While these may offer short-term hunger relief, over time, this diet contributes to:
🛠 What Can Be Done? Despite these challenges, there are ways to navigate rising food prices while still prioritizing health. At Crusading Outreach Ministry, our Better Nutrition for a Better Life program provides food assistance AND practical tools to help families take control of their wellness—starting with what’s already in their pantry. 💡 Smart Strategies for Eating Well on a Budget: Here are some budget-friendly tips to help your family eat better without overspending: 🥫 1. Maximize Pantry Staples
🥕 2. Buy Seasonal Produce
🧾 3. Shop with a Plan
🥣 4. Cook in Bulk
🥗 Simple Meal Idea: One-Pot Lentil & Veggie Soup
🏡 What We’re Doing at Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. Through our monthly food distributions, nutrition workshops, and digital education content, we provide: ✅ Free, healthy food to families in Newport News and Hampton ✅ Simple nutrition guides with every food box ✅ Blog posts and videos that teach how to stretch meals, shop smart, and cook on a budget ✅ Community partnerships that help us source fresh produce and shelf-stable staples We believe that Better Nutrition = Better Life—and we’re committed to helping families break the cycle of poor health caused by poor access. ❤️ Eating healthy shouldn't be a luxury—it should be a basic human right. The rising cost of nutritious food disproportionately affects those who can afford it the least, further deepening health and wealth inequalities. But with education, community support, and a commitment to better access, we can make healthy eating possible for everyone. 📍 Get Help or Support the Mission:🌐 Donate Here 📞 Food support, workshops, volunteer opportunities Download our April 2025 Guide for recipes, exercises, tips, and tricks you can use today! 📚 Sources: 【1】U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI Report (2024) 【2】USDA Economic Research Service, Food Price Outlook, 2024 【3】USDA, Household Food Security in the United States in 2022 【4】Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, 2023 Community Impact Report
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by Alesha Brown, Chief Operating Officer Understanding Food Insecurity in the U.S. & How to Eat Healthier on a Budget Food insecurity is a growing crisis in the United States, affecting millions of individuals and families who struggle to access nutritious and affordable meals. 📚 Cited Sources[1] National Food Insecurity Statistics ➡️ Source: Feeding America, "The State of Food Insecurity in America 2023" 🔗 https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america [2] Local Data – Newport News & Hampton, VA ➡️ Source: Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap 2023 – Virginia County-Level Food Insecurity Data 🔗 https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2021/overall/virginia On September 12, 2024, Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc., in partnership with Pearl Bailey Library, hosted a special event titled “Coping & Preparing for Dementia.” Led by Elder Deloris Pettaway, this insightful session provided attendees with essential knowledge on dementia care, legal preparations, and caregiver support strategies. It is vital that we be proactive in understanding and preparing for dementia, both for caregivers and family members.
Key Takeaways 1. Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia Dementia is much more than just memory loss—it impacts many areas of life, including thinking, behavior, and communication. This event taught attendees how to recognize the early symptoms of dementia, such as confusion with time and place, difficulty with words, and changes in mood or personality. Early detection, as Elder Pettaway stressed, is vital for seeking timely medical care and support. 2. Legal Preparedness is Crucial Tke steps to ensure that their loved one’s legal documents, such as powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives, are in place before the disease progresses. This event shared key legal documents that protect both the person with dementia and their family, helping avoid complicated legal issues later on. 3. Caregiver Stress and Self-Care Strategies A core focus is caregiver self-care. Deloris shared practical tips on how caregivers can manage stress, take regular breaks, and seek emotional support to avoid burnout. Caring for yourself makes you better able to care for your loved ones. 4. Community Connection The event also served as a reminder of the importance of building a support network. Attendees always have the opportunity to connect with one another, share experiences, and exchange advice on caregiving. This provides a powerful moment of community bonding that reinforces that no one has to navigate dementia care alone. Dementia Caregiver Toolkit Available for Download As part of the event, attendees are given our free Dementia Caregiver Toolkit, packed with essential resources for families and caregivers. This toolkit includes:
Looking Ahead For those who couldn’t attend, it’s not too late to access the valuable resources shared at the event. Download the Dementia Caregiver Toolkit below to equip yourself with practical insights and resources for caregiving. ![]() We are thrilled to share the success of our recent event, "Preventing and Responding to Gun Violence," held at Pearl Bailey Library. With an inspiring session led by our guest speaker, Joel Jones from the Strong Arms Gun Club, we brought valuable insights and practical strategies to parents and community members on how to protect their children from the impacts of gun violence. At Crusading Outreach Ministry, our mission is to equip individuals with the tools they need to live their best lives, and this event was a testament to that commitment. We understand the importance of education, awareness, and proactive measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of our families. To further support our community, we are excited to offer a Free Gun Violence Prevention Toolkit Resource List available for download. This comprehensive resource is designed to provide parents, guardians, and educators with essential information, strategies, and tools to prevent gun violence and respond effectively if faced with such situations. Download the toolkit today and join us in our mission to build safer, stronger communities. Together, we can make a difference. Download the Free Gun Violence Prevention Toolkit Resource List Here Alesha Brown Chief Operating Officer, Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. Founder, More Than Words ARB™ 🦋 Embrace Your Transformation: How Trauma Shapes Your Journey with Joy Samuels! 🦋
Get ready to spread your wings and soar! Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. is delighted to welcome the inspiring Joy Samuels, CEO of The Joy Within, as our guest speaker for the upcoming session on Thursday, October 26th, 2023. Join us for the eye-opening six-week class: Ready to Present: How Trauma Affects Parenting. 🌟 Meet Joy Samuels, the Catalyst for Change: 🌟www.thejoywithin.net As the visionary CEO of The Joy Within, Joy dedicates her life to nurturing the spirits of young women aged 9-21. Under her compassionate leadership, The Joy Within provides a haven of creativity, mentorship, and empowerment. Through innovative workshops, mentorship programs, and leadership training, Joy equips these young individuals with the confidence and tools to make positive life choices. 🌸 Why Joy Samuels? 🌸 Joy's passion for personal and educational development is unmatched. Drawing from her experience as a Family Support Specialist and her current role as a Family Engagement Community Specialist at Newsome Park Elementary, she knows the transformative power of guidance and growth. Just like butterflies undergo metamorphosis, Joy believes in the incredible potential for change within every individual. 🌈 Join Us on the Journey: 🌈 This session isn't just about understanding trauma; it's about embracing resilience and transformation. With faith in God and the unwavering support of The Joy Within, Joy Samuels inspires young women to believe in themselves and reach for the stars. 🦋 Event Details: 🦋 Date: Thursday, October 26th, 2023 Time: 6:00 pm EST Location: C Waldo Scott Center for H.O.P.E, 2308 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, VA 236097 Don't miss this chance to embark on a life-changing adventure with Joy Samuels. Let her wisdom guide you towards newfound strength and confidence. RSVP today and prepare to transform like never before. RSVP Now! 🎉 Reserve your spot now to ensure you don't miss out on this transformative event! RSVP’s are preferred, so secure your seat at the link below: https://CrusadingOutreach.org/Events https://ReadyToPresent2023.eventbrite.com 🌟 Spread Your Wings and Embrace Your Joy Within! 🌟 🌟 Get Ready to Ignite Your Potential! 🌟 Crusading Outreach Ministry Inc. is thrilled to present a life-changing session with our esteemed guest speaker, Letitia Bates, DTM! Brace yourselves for an empowering journey as Letitia unveils the secrets in week 3 of our exclusive six-week class: Ready to Present: How Trauma Affects Parenting. 📅 Date: Thursday, October 19th, 2023 🕒 Time: 6:30 pm 📍 Location: C Waldo Scott Center for H.O.P.E, 2308 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, VA 236097 ✨ About Coach Letitia Bates, DTM: ✨ Join us and be inspired by Letitia Bates, the dynamic founder, and CEO of At The Wheel Coaching. She's not just a speaker; she's a force of nature! Letitia is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of I CAN: 12 Keys To Achieve Personal Success In The SMARTEST Way. With a summa cum laude degree from Eastern Mennonite University in Management and Organizational Development, she brings over 25 years of leadership and training experience to the table. Letitia's passion shines through her 20 years of expertise in curriculum development for community enrichment programs. 🚀 Why Attend? 🚀 Letitia Bates will unravel the profound connection between trauma and parenting, guiding you toward a path of understanding and empowerment. Don't miss this chance to learn from an expert who's dedicated her life to transforming individuals and communities! RSVP Now! 🎉 Reserve your spot now to ensure you don't miss out on this transformative event! RSVP’s are preferred, so secure your seat at the link below: https://CrusadingOutreach.org/Events https://ReadyToPresent2023.eventbrite.com Get ready to transform your life and parenting journey with Letitia Bates! Together, we'll discover the keys to personal success and resilience. See you there! 🌟 🔑 To Book Letitia Bates, DTM: 🔑 Letitia Bates, DTM Consultant | Speaker | Trainer | EFT Expert | Bestselling Author At The Wheel Coaching Live Empowered. Stay Driven.
🌐 Website: https://atthewheelcoaching.com by Alesha Brown, Chief Association Executive Of course, you expect increased needs during a pandemic, but there's nothing like a hands-on, bird's eye view to show you the magnitude of help needed. In the past two weeks, our ministry has experienced an influx of phone calls for food, toiletries and other supplies. Many non-profit, donors and private corporations have come together to create massive food & supply drives. However, the truth is it is not enough. None of us know how much longer COVID-19 will last, but I can leave you with this message of reassurance: If you focus on meeting the needs of others, your needs will always be met. After standing in long lines for our households, it isn't always easy to do the same for the outreach. (Honestly, often we do it in reverse order.) Our Founder/Director and our Chief Executive Consultant were in a line for over four hours just to purchase bulk toilet paper, sanitizer and PPE to distribute. On another day, they were making supply runs from one end of the Peninsula to Tidewater VA. Our Corporate Giving and Community Health Directors have been diligently fundraising and supplying meals, toiletries and other supplies in the community. I have spent countless days and hours writing grants to bring in additional funds so we can meet the influx of need requests. And we unanimously would say it's all worth it! We are encouraged when we look into the eyes of those we serve and hear reports of the smiles and tears of those we can meet their needs. To see a child smile when they are given a toy while the parents are given food and supplies. Or to see the shock and tears of relief when they see their boxes include meats, toilet paper and other things that they cannot seem to find. Will you join us in making a difference by making an impact? Take care of your health and that of your families, but don't forget to look for ways to meet the needs of others. The poor will always be among us, but hopefully so will those with a giving heart. If you have followed our non profit over the past couple of months, you know that we are in Phase I of our Community Garden Project in Park Place (Hampton, VA). There are some obvious benefits of having a community garden, but there might be some you don't readily think about.
We would like to share the following benefits with you (courtesy of Greenleaf Communities):
We can't think of a better place for us to launch our first community garden that the food desert of Park Place in Hampton, VA. We invite you and your family to help us make a difference and even consider purchasing your own plot (see below). |
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