Food is Medicine
Supporting our neighbors ’ health journeys .
FoodRx We know that nutritious food choices lead to healthier lives . However , we also know that many of our neighbors — including those with chronic conditions like diabetes — lack access to the types of food that will support their longterm health . FoodRx , which launched in late FY24 , works to close that gap .
Through the initiative , NTFB partners with medical clinics that are screening patients for food insecurity . Those facing hunger are provided with shelf-stable food at their appointment as well as a food prescription that they can redeem regularly for produce and other nutritious food at one of NTFB ’ s partner pantries operating as a Food Pharmacy . The first participating pantry , Local Good Center , offers a client choice market where fresh fruits and vegetables are a centerpiece and staff also connect neighbors with nutrition education classes and information to support their long-term health . We expect this program to continue growing as healthcare providers look to focus on nonmedical drivers of health .
Elevating Produce When the cost of groceries increase , fresh produce is often one of the first things to go . NTFB works to make sure fruits and vegetables are readily available for neighbors and in FY24 distributed 44 million pounds of fresh produce — an increase of nearly 10 million pounds from FY23 .
To equip partner agencies in storing and distributing fresh fruits and veggies , NTFB introduced four Produce Pods in FY24 , which are stand-alone , refrigerated storage trailers stationed at partner agencies that previously only had capacity to store shelf-stable dry goods . Each pod can store four pallets of produce , which is the equivalent of 20,000 meals . “ I love the fresh fruits ,” says Baba , a neighbor who received bananas , apples and other produce from a partner with a Produce Pod . “ I appreciate it . Thank you .”
Nutrition Matters
Direct nutrition education is also crucial for equipping our neighbors to make healthy eating choices . In FY24 , NTFB ’ s Nutrition team provided nutrition education to 1,633 children and adults across NTFB ’ s service area . They also helped 19 partners establish Nudge Pantries , bringing the total to 83 . Nudge Pantries are those that are equipped with signs , recipe cards , shelf tags and other materials meant to provide subtle cues , or nudges , that make the healthier choice the easy choice when selecting groceries .
At our Perot Family Campus in Plano , Jan ’ s Garden also plays a role in increasing access to fresh foods . The learning and production garden named for our late CEO , Jan Pruitt , grows produce that is harvested and donated each week to Seven Loaves Food Pantry at The Storehouse Community Center . Knowing many of the neighbors served there are from Venezuela , Garden Specialist Karen Gilboux shifted what she was planting so her team of volunteers could provide foods that fit the recipes their neighbors are used to cooking . “ We always are trying to plant crops that are culturally relevant and that neighbors want to eat ,” she says .
Annual Report 2024 Page 9