Wolverhampton charity set to boost awareness on diabetes with free healthy eating hampers
A Wolverhampton-based diabetes support group is all set to share 100 free healthy eating hampers at an International Women’s Day event.
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The Global Diabetes Initiatives team, a registered charity, based in Waterloo Court, Waterloo Road, is boosting awareness at its EmpowerHer Health get-together on Saturday, 8 March from 2pm.
The hampers will include a wide range of ingredients – some familiar and some which may be new to people – in a bid to improve blood sugar levels.
Organiser Matilda Chongwa said the Big Lottery-funded initiative, which goes on to 5pm, was much needed considering an increased risk for women of developing type 2 diabetes.
She said: “Women are particularly at risk of diabetes due to several biological, hormonal, and socio-economic factors. The EmpowerHer Health Event for International Women's Day aims to raise awareness and provide practical strategies for women to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes effectively.
“We can help women better manage their condition and put it into remission through healthy diet choices, and regular exercise. It’s also key to manage stress and sleep and aim to maintain a healthy weight.”
“Our EmpowerHer Health Event highlights the importance of education, self-care, and community support in empowering women to take control of their health. By integrating lifestyle changes with medical treatments, women can reduce their risk and manage T2D effectively while improving overall well-being.
“We will be distributing 100 healthy food hampers to individuals living with diabetes. This aligns perfectly with the mission of promoting better diabetes management through access to nutritious food, education, and community support."
Each hamper will contain a variety of nutritious foods, including:
- Whole grains – Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat pasta, fonio, millet
- Legumes – Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, black-eyed peas, bambara nuts
- Nuts and seeds – Almonds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, egusi (melon seeds), peanuts
- Fresh vegetables – Leafy greens, bell peppers, tomatoes, bitter leaf, okra, garden eggs, spinach, cucumber
- Low-glycemic fruits – Berries, apples, oranges, pawpaw (papaya), guava, avocado
- Healthy proteins – Canned tuna, tofu, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, lean goat meat, beans
- Starchy but diabetes-friendly foods – Green plantain (low glycemic when boiled)
- Healthy oils – Olive oil, avocado oil, red palm oil (used in moderation)
- Unsweetened beverages – Herbal teas, almond milk, zobo (hibiscus tea, unsweetened)
The event will also include a range of health and wellness sessions and practical diabetes management tips as well as a healthy cooking demonstration.
