How One Mom is Planning a Healthy Future for Her Sons
We met Renata at a Resource Rally, along with her youngest son, five-year-old Asher. Asher was excited to take his pick from the books provided at the event, enjoying the beautiful sunny weather and the errand with Mom.
As they waited in line for their boxes – one with 25 pounds of food, another with 15 pounds of household supplies – we got to talk with Renata.
Right off the bat, she wanted to convey her gratitude for the donors who support Feed the Children: “This will help us out a lot. Right now, the way the economy is, everything costs so much money.”
Higher prices in the grocery store are no joke. Since 2021, food costs have risen by over 20%. And while Renata’s first priority is making sure her two sons have enough food, an equally important goal is that they’re able to eat healthfully.
“I want them to grow up knowing how to cook,” she explained. “With our Native people, our health is one of our biggest struggles. We have a lot of diabetes. And with processed foods being a lot cheaper than other foods, we have to really take control of our health. And it starts young.”
According to the American Diabetes Association, Native American and Alaskan Native people have a higher prevalence of diabetes than other races. They’re almost three times more likely than white Americans to be diagnosed. However, Renata’s mindful focus on food may very well make a lifelong difference for her kids: healthy eating and weight maintenance are crucial for reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Besides preventing any one disease, instilling smart eating habits in kids can have huge health benefits down the line. According to the CDC, children who form healthy habits, including eating a balanced diet, can have stronger immune systems, better dental health, and improved physical and mental development. Maintaining a healthy weight can also save a child from the increased medical costs associated with obesity.
But as Renata pointed out, even if eating right saves money long-term, paying for healthy food can cost more up front. She’s learned to be creative, strategizing to make the most of a limited budget:
“We plan our meals a week in advance, and that’s what we eat,” she told us. “This box from Feed the Children gives us more opportunities to cook, and my kids will help me cook.”
During the school year, her sons benefitted from free in-school meals. But when the holiday breaks roll around, her budget is stretched tighter. Your support came at the perfect time, and supports Renata’s health goals for her kids!
