The Numbers are In

With the approval of my manager at work (thanks Joanne!) I was able to use the nutrient analysis program at work to evaluate the nutritional value of our food box. The numbers are not stellar but considering that this is food donated by well meaning community members I think that it is certainly better than nothing.

Both Ernst and I are getting an average of about 1175 calories per day. This is about 1000 calories shy of what Ernst would need in a day and 300 calories lower than my requirements. This is basic requirements, mind you, not taking into consideration the walking we do to and from work, Ernst's hockey and our busy lives. I have found that although I do get hungry between meals, the meals do fill me up. Unfortunately the fibre content is quite low (9 g each per day when we need between 25 and 35 g) and so the full feelings don't last long.

Interestingly, 60% of the calories come from carbs when we should be shooting for 50% at most. This will come as no surprise for all of us who have been eating white rice, bread, pasta, cereal, crackers and cookies for the last few days.

Despite the lower calorie intake we are meeting maximum levels for one nutrient: sodium. At 2000 mg we are within recommended levels (for someone eating adequate calories). Other vitamins and minerals are low, however, including:
Potassium
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Calcium
Iron (for Alice only)
Vitamin D
Vitamin B6
Folate
Pantothenic Acid
Biotin
Vitamin K
Magnesium
Zinc
Copper

That is quite a list of deficiencies. The best way to meet the requirements for these nutrients would be to increase our intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It is a good thing that most people have the option of taking advantage of the additional perishables that we were not able to go pick up. A prolonged lack of these nutrients in our diets could lead to increased risk of heart and cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, some types of cancer, perhaps multiple sclerosis and probably many more chronic illnesses. Hopefully regular users of the food bank are able to eat better earlier in the month when they have more money available. Of course, there is the issue even then of the expense of healthier food choices.

In all, I do want to commend the food banks, emergency food providers, such as the missions and soup kitchens and other meal programs, as well as their volunteers. They are filling a much needed gap. Everything that we got at the food bank is better than the alternative: nothing.