Food, Health and Hope

Healthy foods are a luxury that individuals living under the poverty level simply cannot afford. With few alternatives to fast, cheap foods and beverages available locally, residents of underserved communities are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Summit Medical Group Foundation and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) are working together to change diets and lifestyles, reduce hospitalizations and save lives through a collaborative program called Food, Health and Hope. The program is made possible by funding from the American Medical Association Foundation, the Coverys Community Foundation and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.

“I had no idea I was diabetic until I was screened,” acknowledged Mary S., a retired cafeteria worker from Elizabeth. “Eating healthy wasn’t my thing. But now I’m eating smarter and I’ve even lost some weight. I haven’t felt this good in years!”
FHH is a life-changing initiative benefiting food pantry clients in underserved communities throughout Essex, Passaic and Union counties. Participants in FHH receive health-improving benefits, such as:

Free healthy, diabetes-appropriate food boxes with fresh produce, whole grains and lean meats;

Culturally and ethnically sensitive recipes;

Free diabetes and healthy lifestyle education (both in-person with educators and via brochures);

Free quarterly monitoring of blood pressure and Hba1c (average blood sugar level over 3 months);

Free annual multi-specialty screening in bodily areas affected by diabetes, including feet and vision;

Facilitation for quick appointments at local health clinics;

Access to low-cost prescription assistance for diabetes-related medications.

In 2018, FHH provided more than 2,500 free screenings. Going forward in 2019 with Year 2 of the program, the goal is to provide these services on an even broader scale, providing healthy food and diabetes education in communities that are the most at risk. Because where there is health there is hope.