Making A Difference in Older Adults

Our Food As Medicine community pilot programs, conducted in partnership with the American Heart Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the Illinois Department on Aging, have produced data demonstrating that increased access to fresh, healthy, and culturally sensitive balanced meals is effective. Specifically, older adults with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes showed significant improvements in their overall health scores and were able to reduce their dosages of blood pressure and diabetes medications.

Our seniors reported feeling better and becoming more compliant with their medication regimens because they were able to enjoy food they liked, which was good for their health and recognized as culturally familiar.