Did you know that February is National Canned Food Month? The charitable food system often distributes canned food, along with other shelf-stable food items. At Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, we provide the community with a variety of foods, from fresh to frozen to canned.
There are some stigmas around canned food items, like the belief that it is “unhealthy” in comparison to fresh or frozen foods. While fresh and frozen produce, proteins, and dairy might be what you choose for you and your family, Second Harvest is here to break the stigma behind canned foods.
Fact: Canned food is nutritious.
Historically, commercially-canned foods were high in sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat — nutrients that have been connected to chronic health conditions. However, the food industry has since changed their canned product recipes to offer additional options. If you are concerned about salt, fat, or added sugar in canned foods, you can:
- rinse and drain canned produce, beans, and meats
- choose canned foods labeled
- “no added salt” or “low sodium”
- “low fat” or “fat free”
- “packed in 100% juice” or “packed in water.”
Sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat aside, canned foods are nutritionally similar to fresh or frozen foods and sometimes contain even higher levels of some vitamins or minerals than their fresh or frozen counterparts.
Fact: Canned food is accessible.
Canned food is more accessible than fresh or frozen foods for many populations. The world is full of people with differing abilities, preferences, and lived experiences. Canned foods can be more accessible for individuals who are short on time, lack cold storage, experience sensory disorders or dental problems, or simply enjoy the flavor and texture of canned foods.
Fact: Canned food has a long shelf life.
Canned food is shelf-stable and can even be safely eaten years after the date on the can. The date on the can is a “Best By” date, meaning after that date, the quality (like the look of the food or its nutritional value) might be affected. However, canned food is still safe to eat if it is sealed, not dented at the top or bottom seams, and not bloated. At Second Harvest, our staff and volunteers inspects product to ensure that cans provided to the community meet food safety guidelines.
When you give to Second Harvest, you increase access to fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods that fit all kinds of people’s lifestyles and preferences. By sharing the truth about canned foods, we can destigmatize food choices and support our neighbors’ autonomy in choosing foods for themselves and their families.
For more information about canned food or Our Nutrition Philosophy, please visit our Nutrition Access page or contact our Nutrition Access Program Manager at courtney@secondharvestetn.org.