The holiday season can bring added stress, but the foods you choose may help create a calmer, more enjoyable experience. Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and author, suggests simple dietary changes to reduce anxiety and promote well-being during Thanksgiving and beyond.Dr. Naidoo emphasized that eating to reduce stress doesn’t have to be restrictive. “You can still enjoy the foods you love by making thoughtful additions,” she said. For those feeling unsure where to begin, her book, “Calm Your Mind with Food,” provides a comprehensive guide to these principles.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For over 50 years, the Mozel Sanders Foundation has been a lifeline for those facing food insecurity across central Indiana, keeping thousands from going hungry. As Thanksgiving approaches, the foundation is gearing up to serve more people than ever, with a goal to provide 10,000 hot meals to families in need this holiday season.The foundation secured a network of commercial kitchens to help prepare meals across the city. Volunteers are already in place, but Sanders says the organization needs experienced chefs to help lead the effort.This year, the foundation is adding more locations to reach even more people. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church will serve as the primary hub, with self-prep kitchens set up at New Directions Church, Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Roberts Park United Methodist Church, and a new location at The Hangar.Each of these self-prep sites will play a critical role in getting meals ready to go.To get involved, volunteers can sign up on the foundation’s website. Sanders highlighted that the website lists all volunteer opportunities, as well as the locations of the 12 satellite kitchens around the city.With demand higher than ever, the foundation aims to serve 10,000 meals—a record for the organization. While this scale of effort brings challenges, the foundation’s expanded network of kitchens and satellite locations makes the goal achievable.For those who want to help but can’t volunteer, Sanders says financial support is just as crucial.Just $5 feeds one person or a family of four for $20.Donations can be made via text by sending “MOZEL” to 53555, or checks can be mailed to Mozel Sanders Foundation, which is located at 709 N. Belmont Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46222. For a quicker option, donations are also accepted through Cash App at $MozSanders.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A garden has become a lifeline for central Indiana families in need. What began as a modest, corporate initiative has blossomed into a remarkable collective effort.In 2023, Roche’s Garden produced an impressive 300 pounds of fresh, organic produce. This year, the garden’s operators hope to double that number.Roche’s Garden is known as one of the oldest gardens in Indianapolis. It’s evolved to playing a critical role to provide nutritious food, and preventing disease while food insecurity is high.The bounty of vegetables is not destined for corporate cafeterias, but rather the shelves of a local food bank, The Resource Hub, where it goes to families in need. It’s an initiative aligning with the American Heart Association’s Food is Medicine initiative.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mother Loves Garden is an urban education garden at 1114 W. 33rd St. on the near northwest side, and was created in 2013 with a mission to improve the neighborhood’s quality of life through volunteering and education.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Halloween is right around the corner, which means children will soon be knocking on doors shouting “trick-or-treat.” But while many are eager to indulge in their candy haul, consideration should be made for children with food allergies.During Tuesday’s Daybreak, I talked with with April Kleber, a registered dietitian with Community Health Network, to discuss the importance of choosing allergy-friendly treats this season.As more families become aware of food allergies, the Teal Pumpkin Project—a movement to offer non-food treats for trick-or-treaters—continues to gain popularity. This simple step helps ensure that every child can take part in the Halloween fun without the worry.For more advice on creating an allergy-friendly Halloween, catch the full interview with April or click here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The United Nations celebrated World Food Day on Wednesday. The day marks the anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. The FAO Recognizes World Food Day on Oct. 16.Every year, the agency uses the day to promote food literacy, which is at the center of its mission.Organizers challenge people to get involved in October for World Food Day by combating food insecurity in their communities.Many charities are always seeking volunteers or donations across the state. Below is a short list of the many groups that work to fight hunger in Central Indiana.Central Indiana Food CharitiesGleaners Food Bank of IndianaMeals on WheelsMidwest Food BankMozel Sanders FoundationPack Away HungerPatachou FoundationSecond HelpingsSt. Vincent de PaulWhile food banks focus on having ingredients and materials for meals all in one place, other nonprofits, like Pack Away Hunger, help to prepare food for those who need it.The group prepares dehydrated food packs that contain enough rice, soybeans and vegetables to feed six people.About half the meals prepared by volunteers stay in central Indiana, and the other half goes to communities in need across the globe.Pack Away Hunger is hosting a virtual informational session about their efforts over Zoom on Thursday at 5 p.m. Click here to join the call.For more about World Food Day visit the FAO website.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pack Away Hunger is a nonprofit working tirelessly to address hunger locally and globally.Since 2010, they’ve packed and distributed over 23 million meals, helping to fight hunger in Central Indiana and beyond.Nick and Angela from Pack Away Hunger joined us to talk about their mission and how they make it happen.Pack Away Hunger’s mission is simple but crucial — to ensure that no one goes hungry.Their meal-packing process is driven almost entirely by volunteers. Each meal pack contains rice, textured vegetable protein, dehydrated vegetables, and a specially formulated vitamin packet. These meal kits provide essential nutrition, particularly for young children, supporting their development during the critical first 1,000 days of life.With a staff of just three, Pack Away Hunger depends on their nearly 7,000 volunteers each year, from individuals to community groups, to help prepare the meals they ship out.Most recently, the organization sent over 800,000 meals to Ukraine in support of the ongoing crisis.Hunger isn’t just a distant issue — it’s also happening right here in central Indiana.In Marion County, 14% of residents are food insecure.Volunteering for just an hour or two with Pack Away Hunger can help make a real difference, providing nutritious meals to those who need them most.If you’re interested in volunteering or partnering with Pack Away Hunger, they’re always looking for more help. Visit their website for more information and find out how you can be part of this meaningful cause. Together, we can help alleviate hunger, one meal at a time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indiana Pacers and its teammates across the community are amping up an effort to take on food insecurity.The program has a basketball theme -- with a nutritional payoff -- it's called 'Drive and Dish'.Gleaners Food Bank -- Pacers Sports and Entertainment -- the Pacers Foundation -- and the city's parks department are all part of it.It launched at the start of the year - bringing boxes of food to families in need.The new goals -- 16-thousand boxes this year -- and 33,000 next year.Organizers say they want to expand the effort to other cities in the years to come.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches in October, it’s essential to empower women with knowledge and tools to manage their health. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, highlighting the need for proactive measures in diagnosis and treatment.To explore effective strategies, Dr. Tarah Ballinger, a breast oncologist at IU Health Simon Cancer Center talked with News 8. Ballinger emphasized the significant roles that diet and exercise play in reducing recurrence rates for breast cancer patients.Weight gain is a common concern following a breast cancer diagnosis, according to Ballinger.When it comes to exercise, Ballinger advocated for a balanced approach.Diet also plays a vital role in recovery and long-term health, says Dr. Ballinger.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

HATCH was founded in 2015 with the mission to build a nutrition secure future for families by delivering animal protein direct from farmers to food banks with the lowest cost to serve model in the fight against hunger. HATCH has become a national leader in nutrition security and partners with farmers to supply low-cost, high-value animal proteins to 100+ food banks annually across 36 states. Today we deliver 250,000 meals daily and by 2027 we will achieve 1M protein-rich meals delivered daily. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The nonprofit Mozel Sanders Foundation has made sure no one in Indianapolis goes hungry on Thanksgiving for over half of a century.The foundation typically uses a large kitchen to prepare the thousands of Thanksgiving meals it distributes; however, this year, that kitchen at Butler University is no longer available.Stephan Sanders, CEO of the foundation, said, “Due to risk management and new procedures at Butler, we’re going to be in need of commercial kitchens, like schools, hospitals, any place that can mass produce meals. We’re going to need them this year.”This year marks 51 years that the foundation will feed the hungry for the holiday.Sanders said, “On the menu this year, we have green beans, dressing, turkey or chicken, and we have a dinner roll. We are working on the dessert.”In 2023, 1,500 volunteers served over 10,000 hot meals on Thanksgiving. The foundation will again in 2024 need an army of helpers to prepare, package and deliver the meals.“Restaurants schools, churches, hospitals, please reach out to use if you’re able to cook or serve 10,000 meals,” Sanders said.For people who can’t physically help on Thanksgiving, Sanders says, the foundation offers another way for people to give back Sanders said that $20 feeds four people, and one meal is $5, “so if you’re unable to volunteer, please go to our website and donate.”As Sanders sees it, the Thanksgiving effort not just about feeding the hungry; it’s also about keeping the tradition of love and service in the community alive.“We were just raised to help people, never think we’re better than someone, and you should never look down on someone unless you’re trying to pick them up.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday announced a $1 million gift to support an Indianapolis school. The initiative aimed to revolutionize school kitchens in Indianapolis and combat childhood hunger. The model will help to restore working kitchens within schools and provide support by hiring and training culinary staff to prepare scratch-made meals.Over the next five years, the initiative plans to provide over 1.2 million meals to 3,500 students.The project has been called the second-largest source of hunger relief in Indianapolis schools, and proceeds of the Colts’ Game Day 50-50 raffle will fund the effort.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rocket fuel and mac and cheese might have more in common than you ever imagined—so much so that you might be eating them! A new Consumer Reports investigation reveals a harsh chemical more commonly used by rockets, missiles, and explosives is making surprise appearances at your family’s dinner table, with potentially dangerous health consequences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nearly 94 million adults in the U.S. aged 20 and over have high cholesterol, according to the CDC. Managing cholesterol levels through diet and lifestyle is crucial. IU Health cardiologist Dr. Julie Clary stopped by Daybreak to share some guidance on the topic.Dr. Clary says it’s important to make smart food choices in order to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.As heart health continues to be a priority for many, Clary’s insights offer practical steps for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and enjoying a long, healthy life.For more information on cholesterol, click here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are cage-free eggs more nutritious? Can coffee be considered a meal? Certain beliefs when it comes to food can be very damaging for your health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Megan Sedivy, a registered dietitian with Fresh Thyme Market, joined us to share meal planning strategies for families during the back-to-school season. With mornings often being hectic, Sedivy suggested a make-ahead sheet pan pancake recipe that includes ingredients like bananas, blueberries, eggs, oats, and flour. The pancakes can be prepped in advance, sliced, frozen, and reheated as needed, making for a quick and nutritious breakfast option.For lunch, Sedivy recommended focusing on three key components: protein, produce, and peak energy foods. She advised including at least three different colors of produce in lunch boxes, such as blueberries, bananas, and apples for younger children, and bell peppers and tomatoes for older kids. Protein options can range from nut butter for small children to chicken salad for middle schoolers and tuna salad for high school students. Plant-based alternatives like quinoa and tofu were also highlighted.Sedivy also offered suggestions for after-school snacks that are both healthy and convenient. She demonstrated an apple crunch wrap made with a spinach wrap, nut butter, apple slices, cinnamon, walnuts, and granola. For quicker options, she recommended stocking the pantry with whole grain cheese crackers, microwave popcorn, fruit and veggie pouches, and protein-rich snacks like beef and chicken sticks.These meal ideas aim to provide balanced nutrition while ensuring that children enjoy their meals. Sedivy emphasized the importance of planning meals that are easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, helping to set the stage for a successful school year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 11th annual FoodCon at the Harrison Center is set for August 2 from 6-9 p.m. Created in 2010, this unconventional convention celebrates the art and culture of food in Indiana. Indiana Humanities will debut its new short film series, “Recipes For Our Community,” during the event. The films were produced by the Indiana Humanities team.Communication Manager Anna Bowman discussed the event and the short films. The event will feature edible bugs and milkweed, the latter highlighted in one of the films where a member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma demonstrates cooking milkweed, a plant commonly found in gardens.Bowman mentioned that four different short films, each under five minutes, will debut at FoodCon. These films cover various topics, including cooking on a car motor, a survival skill. Attendees will see films on milkweed, maple syrup, and German potato salad. For example, one film shows the Chin community in Southport making a traditional corn soup as part of their monthly gatherings.The maple syrup film, produced in Greencastle, illustrates the process of tapping maple trees and the tradition’s legacy in Indiana. Bowman noted the importance of sharing these food stories to reflect Indiana’s diverse food culture beyond the well-known corn and tenderloins.In addition to the films, FoodCon will feature vendors, including the Indianapolis Public Library and popular local food trucks. Some vendors, such as Black Vegan, will offer a variety of foods for attendees to enjoy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Community Food Access Coalition is working to address food equity in Indianapolis.They made recommendations to the Indianapolis Community Food Access Advisory Commission to ensure all voices in the community are heard.Leaders say they hope to reflect the diverse voices in the community and ensure there is access to fresh healthy food.The next step for the group is creating more discussions with local groups in Indianapolis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chronic pain affects more than 20% of adults nationwide, which is higher than the rates of diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure, according to recent research. In response to the issue, IU Health is focusing on integrating nutrition into pain management strategies.Darien Harris, an ambulatory support clinical dietician at IU Health, joined News 8 to discuss the connection between diet and chronic pain.Harris said she sees the impact of chronic pain every day patients. She said nutrition plays a crucial role in managing pain and improving overall quality of life. Harris emphasized the importance of anti-inflammatory foods and balanced nutrition. She sharing a success story from IU Health’s nutrition program.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Indy Community Pantry is making a significant impact on the lives of Hoosiers, one family and one friend at a time.Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the Indy Community Pantry provides free services to anyone in need. You do not have to be homeless to use their services.The pantry aims to help a broad range of individuals and families, ensuring that everyone has access to essential food and resources.For more information about the Indy Community Pantry and its services, visit Indy Community Pantry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chonnie Richey, the founder of Independence Gardens, is an expert on food insecurity. She explains that many food pantries around the country are struggling to keep up with demand.During the summer, students who rely on school meals often face hunger because those meals are not available.This is a tough time for many families who need extra help to feed their children.Independence Gardens is a nonprofit organization that aims to help communities and schools by providing fresh food.They work hard to ensure that families have access to nutritious meals even when school is out.By supporting food pantries and creating gardens, they help make sure that no child goes hungry during the summer months.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new pilot program aimed at improving diabetes control through medically tailored meals has shown significant promise, according to recent findings. The initiative was launched to explore the effectiveness of a “food as medicine” approach, with goals to both enhance diabetes management and establish a sustainable long-term model.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's time for Juneteenth, and with the celebrations comes a wide scope of foods, each with its own importance. James Webb, founder of Indy Juneteenth, and his wife Twjonia, joined News 8 to share their favorite foods associated with the holiday.One of the foods associated with Juneteenth includes red velvet cake, which has its roots in the transatlantic slave trade.James says red velvet cake became a sign of celebration, and is now used to celebrate Juneteenth.Hibiscus flowers have more than just sweetening benefits. Twjonia says the flower helps with anxiety and could also be used as an aromatic.Listen now to learn more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A hub for navigating Indianapolis is a temporary center of nutrition, too, as the Food in Transit program starts for the season. The program uses the Julia Carson Transit Center as a summertime distribution center for free food and knowledge.The innovative initiative launched in 2018. Since then, organizers have tweaked the format but have stayed true to the goal – to provide healthy food, demonstrations, and recipes for all.The demonstrations aim to teach techniques that will work with all kinds of food.The food distribution is from 2 – 5 p.m. every Thursday through September 29. The cooking demos are the second and fourth Thursday of each month.There is no charge for any of the food or information and no application process for the food or information. Organizers welcome everyone to come.“You don’t have to live in a certain ZIP code. You don’t have to meet any income barriers. We want to decrease all barriers. Our goal is to increase food accessibility.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s no secret that things just keep getting more expensive. From home prices to personal goods, the cost of living in the U.S. has increased 22% since 2019, leaving consumers searching for ways to combat rising costs. As Americans scramble to find better ways to budget, one historically wallet-friendly option, fast food, is becoming less and less of a cost-saver. In fact, fast food price hikes have outpaced the national inflation rate in some instances, prompting backlash online and on social media. Have fast food prices really changed so dramatically? And if so, by how much? FinanceBuzz, is always looking for ways to save money and wanted to better understand how much a trip to the drive thru was really costing consumers. To find out, FinanceBuzz collected pricing data from a dozen popular fast food restaurants over the past decade and calculated how much prices have risen compared to the national inflation rate. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Purdue University researcher says grocery prices may be leveling off. Joe Balagtas, director of the Center for Food Demand at Purdue University, says that it costs a family of four $500 per month to buy groceries; however, some relief may be in sight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Long a center for health in the heart of Indianapolis, IU Health Methodist is now a community hub for food, too.The downtown Indianapolis hospital is expanding its food locker program. Called “The Nutrition Hub,” it launched November of 2023 with a goal of reducing food insecurity.“We’re six months since opening, and it is opened with a bang,” explained Kristen Kelly, the executive director of quality and safety at IU Health. “We started with referring our patients from our clinics, our high-risk surgical patients. Now, we just recently expanded to our community just a few weeks ago.”The program now includes anyone who is eligible and interested across the entire 46202 ZIP code. It starts with screening either in-person at the IU Health Academic Health Center at 16th Street and Capitol Avenue or with a call to 211. The expansion marks a milestone in a concept that started years ago.“This was five years of planning with our partners the American Heart Association, Gleaners (Food Bank), Purdue, and the IU School of Medicine,” said Kelly. “And we came together and planned really talking to our patients and community to see what it would take.”Kelly says the program is truly unique in its design, but it represents a growing trend across healthcare of innovating and supporting preventative care programs. In the case of the Nutrition Hub, that includes empowering people to choose the food they need, rather than being limited by the selections of others.“You can click the foods that you love that are important to your family,” says Kelly. “You can select them, and Gleaners will pick them out and put them in the locker for you. They’re stored chilled or frozen. You can swing by in and out in under five minutes.”This story is part of WISH-TV’s Focus on Food commitment to improve access to healthy food through resources, recipes, and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nonprofit Second Helpings has rescued 50 million pounds of food, according to an announcement made Wednesday.The organization aims to combat hunger in central Indiana with sustainable practices. That 50 million pounds of food saved equates to preventing the emissions from more than 13,000 cars driven by one person in a year.As a part of their Food Rescue Program, they collect food items from spots all over the city and its surrounding areas and transform them into meals to be distributed.“Food rescue is everything to us,” Jon Meinert, food rescue and transportation director, said Wednesday. “It’s picking up surplus from something as small as a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, on up to working with the Colts, and Pacers, and Ruoff (Music Center), and everything in between.”After picking up that surplus, the food is processed in their kitchen and then distributed all throughout the city. Oftentimes, 5,000 meals a day are given away to women, children and older people. Second Helpings’ local approach has helped it reach the milestone number in 25 years, but they are already looking toward their next goal. CEO Linda Broadfoot said Wednesday, “I am willing to bet it will take half that time to rescue the next 50 million pounds of food.” The organization also received an $100,000 grant from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to continue the program’s growth.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WISH-TV is committed to focusing on family and the community, and that includes working to make sure every family gets healthy meals. One aspect of nutrition that many don’t think about is how it can play a role in patient healing.Nancy Strange, a senior clinical dietician at IU Health Methodist Hospital’s Comprehensive Wound Center, joined News 8 on Daybreak to discuss how nutritional deficiencies can be identified and dealt with.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The local nonprofit Faith, Hope and Love recently announced a significant addition to its curriculum aimed at enhancing community health. FHL President Merlin Gonzales stopped by to chat with News 8’s Jeremy Jenkins about the nonprofit’s new initiative. The program emphasizes the crucial role of nutrition in promoting overall health and expediting recovery from illness. Notably, FHL aims to broaden its food inventory to accommodate specific dietary needs such as renal issues and gluten-free diets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.