To the Editor:

The Oklahoma City coalition of the national non-profit Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP-OKC) announced a partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. The partnership will help feed children, families and seniors struggling with hunger while promoting the nutritional and heart-healthy benefits of eating seafood twice a week, as recommended.

Beginning on March 21, SNP-OKC will donate one meal to the Regional Food Bank for every Oklahoman who signs the Healthy Heart Pledge.

The Healthy Heart Pledge is a simple commitment to eat seafood twice a week and includes no financial or time-oriented requirement.

The USDA/HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming at least two servings of seafood per week, but only 10 percent of Americans follow the recommendation.

Studies show that by following the guidelines for seafood consumption you can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 36 percent and extend lifespans by an average of 2.2 years.

Seafood is a major source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which contributes to better heart health.

“Seafood consumption is one of the best ways to incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet,” said SNP Executive Director Linda Cornish. “Low Omega-3 intake contributes to 84,000 deaths annually, making Omega-3 deficiency a leading dietary contributor to preventable death in the U.S.”

Oklahoma City is one of eight cities across the U.S. where SNP is conducting public health education efforts to raise awareness about the essential nutritional benefits of seafood.

SNP’s Oklahoma City coalition consists of dietitians, health experts, restaurateurs, food retailers, grocers, and local citizens.

For more information on the Seafood Nutrition Partnership or to take the Healthy Heart Pledge to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, visit www.seafoodnutrition.org.