Food insecurity can often lead to health problems and illnesses. For many people, access to fresh, healthy food isn’t in their budget, but a new program aims to help.
DENVER — We’ve known for years that food insecurity is closely linked to health problems and disease. But for many people, getting fresh produce, whole grains, and protein isn’t within their budget.
The Food Bank of the Rockies has a program that can help change that. health food.
By partnering with health care providers in Colorado, we help identify people with health issues who are struggling to access the right food. Once matched, Food Bank of the Rockies will deliver healthy food directly to program participants.
And it’s already making a difference. There’s one delivery that Shelly King is always happy to see on her doorstep.
“I look forward to it every Thursday!” said King.
King is a recipient of the Food for Health program.
“I open it like a Christmas present! Every Thursday is Christmas,” she said.
The content is always different and always nourishing.
“Last time we got potatoes, lots of canned goods and lemons. What else did we get there? We got baby watermelons!” King said. “It’s food that everyone needs.”
The food that now shows up at her door every week is something she didn’t always include in her diet before.
“Sometimes groceries aren’t in the budget because you have rent, you have a phone call, you have all these other bills. And food? Food comes last,” King said.
This conversation happened a few months ago when she was in the hospital with kidney stones.
“I was talking to the nurse about food and how I’m having a hard time eating because of things that have happened in my past, and she said, ‘Well, why don’t you join the Food Bank of the Rockies? ‘Sho,”’ King said.
“These meals are critical to supporting our neighbors,” said Monica Bourig, chief impact officer for the Food Bank of the Rockies.
King is one of many people around Colorado enrolled in healthy food programs. Buehlig said it brings people with health issues together through healthy food.
“Food security is recognized as a contributor to good health, and a lack of food security is a contributor to poor health,” Buehrig said.
According to the CDC, adults who experience food insecurity are two to three times more likely to be food insecure. type 2 diabetes. They also cardiovascular disease And you are more likely to die from it.
Boulig said the program aims to reverse these health outcomes.
“Food is medicine and it’s important to recognize that,” Buehrig said.
So far, it’s working fine. Bourig said all program participants report maintaining or improving their health through weekly deliveries packed with protein, whole grains and produce.
King said she’s already noticed a difference.
“Well, I’m eating better. I’m feeling better,” King said.
During the first few months of the program, King said she was looking forward to getting her groceries delivered and her health has improved.
“Pineapples. Everyone loves pineapples,” she said as she unwrapped her latest delivery.
This program has given her a helping hand, and she’s looking forward to it.
“As long as they let me,” King said.
The Food for Health program started about two years ago and has continued to grow ever since. They recently extended it to the western slope. The weekly boxes are handcrafted by a nutritionist and contain about 10 servings of food.
How does it work? Partnering healthcare organizations identify patients facing chronic health issues or food insecurity and match them to the program. The job begins at the doctor’s office.
According to the Food Bank of the Rockies, they currently operate at Platte Valley Medical Center, Lutheran Medical Center, Denver Indian Health and Family Services, Denver Health, Common Spirit St. Anthony North and We are affiliated.
If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, you can quickly get food and assistance from Food Bank of the Rockies’ 600 providers. For more information on how to help or find food near you, visit: Website.
