This March, your Kansas Food Bank is recognizing National Nutrition Month® in honor of the nearly 49 million Americans that lack access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life.

Right now, 1 in 6 Americans is struggling with hunger. Though we cannot tell who is hungry from the clothes people wear, the jobs they work, or the color of their skin, an apple a day is out of reach for nearly 49 million Americans. Approximately 14.5 percent of American households lack access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life.

Here at the Kansas Food Bank, we have made a commitment to increase the amount of fresh produce we offer to our agency partners. Because of this, our produce distribution jumped from 200,000 pounds in 2010 to just over 1 million pounds in 2011. And for 2012, we are projected to distribute 1.5 million pounds.

Fresh produce is often the first thing that gets cut from the grocery budget for cash strapped families. Those at risk of hunger often cannot afford preventative and follow-up healthcare services. For this vulnerable population, access to nutritious foods is vital in maintaining good health. We would not be able to continue this critical work and provide nutritious foods without the support of our community.

Together, we can provide hope to Kansans in need for a better, healthier tomorrow.