April 27, 2023
Can you imagine a day when health care is proactive rather than passive? Everyone has access to the essential conditions for health and well-being – the factors people depend on to reach their full potential. What if What does that future look like?
One of the ways we know we have achieved this future is for everyone to experience nutritional security. This means consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe and affordable food that promotes optimal health and well-being, and experiencing diet-related illnesses. It will no longer be the leading cause of death in the United States, especially for people of color, who have historically been most at risk.
This was our presentation at the 2nd Regional “Come to the Table” Summit on Nutrition Security and Health Care in late March at Trinity Health, Ypsilanti, Michigan, hosted by ProMedica and The Root Cause Coalition. was the focus of the discussion of Alonzo Lewis, president of Trinity Health Ann Arbor, told his 150 stakeholders in attendance to help the White House on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health by strengthening the intersection of nutrition and health care. We set the tone by encouraging them to build on the momentum of the meeting.
In addition to panel discussions by experts from various fields, there was a lively town hall where everyone shared their opinions and experiences on hunger as a health problem. Everyone in the room agreed that as a country there is work to be done. But as USDA Secretary Vilsack said in a recorded remark, “Together, no challenge is insurmountable.”
Creating long-term sustainable solutions requires innovation, determination and collaboration. This is something Trinity Health’s The Farm knows all too well. After the summit, attendees visited The Farm, one of the oldest hospital-based farms in the country. The Farm has evolved from a discussion of food as medicine among health care professionals into the multifaceted community program it is today. Access to agricultural products is key to increasing intake of health-supporting fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2022, The Farm donated her 15,554 pounds of produce to 22,339 patients and healthcare workers through its Produce to Patients programme. And because access to healthy foods is only the first step to better health, The Farm offers educational programs, excursions, summer camps, and cooking to learn how to cook healthier foods. We also offer classrooms.
“The Farm is a great example of a program that connects thousands of people to the healing power of nutritious foods,” said Stacy Dean, USDA’s Deputy Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services. said while observing. “I am inspired by their model and look forward to hearing more about its health implications in the years to come.”
Food and Nutrition Nutritional Security