For the time being, the thumping of soles hitting the ground will have to wait for athlete Shannon Morales.
Shannon was left temporarily paralyzed and bound to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke. Though he ran on a regular basis, his diabetic condition and unhealthy eating habits contributed to his medical situation.
Even with the help of family and friends, it still wasn’t enough for Shannon to get by. The web developer was left without an income. Following his mom’s advice, Morales turned to the food pantry in Taylor, Texas where he was surprised by all the healthy food selection he was offered.
“The food here is much healthier than what I was buying before,” Shannon said. “Chicken breasts, vegetables, fruit, I love it all.”
The nutritious food options the pantry has available is part the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas efforts to increase awareness for a healthier lifestyle. Through the organization’s CHOICES Nutrition Education Program, clients are also offered a series of bilingual cooking and education classes that teach them how to shop for and how to prepare easy, nutrient-dense meals from budget-friendly grocery items and foods typically supplied through the organization’s 250 partner agencies.
With muscle memory and an improved diet, the athlete will soon be able to put on his sneakers and start running again, but now, with a healthy diet in mind.
“You’re nourishing people through their minds and their bodies. You’re making them feel better inside. It not only benefits them physically but mentally as well.”
