IU Health Launches Diabetes Pilot Program to Combat Food Insecurity
Indianapolis, IN – IU Health has launched a new diabetes pilot program focused on addressing food insecurity among individuals with diabetes. The program, called “Focus+ on Food,” aims to provide nutritious food and nutrition education to help patients manage their blood sugar levels and overall health.
Food Insecurity and Diabetes
Food insecurity, defined as a lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life, is a significant issue in the United States. It can lead to malnutrition, poor health outcomes, and chronic diseases like diabetes. People with diabetes who are food insecure often struggle to afford healthy foods and may rely on unhealthy options that can worsen their condition.
Program Overview
The Focus+ on Food program provides eligible participants with: * Weekly delivery of fresh produce, dairy, and lean proteins * Monthly nutrition counseling sessions * Cooking demonstrations and meal planning support * Referrals to community resources and social services
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, participants must have diabetes, be food insecure, and meet certain income guidelines. They must also be residents of Marion County, Indiana.
Program Goals
The goals of the Focus+ on Food program include: * Improving blood sugar control * Reducing the risk of diabetes complications * Enhancing overall health and well-being * Empowering participants with nutrition knowledge and cooking skills * Decreasing food insecurity and its negative impact on diabetes management
Pilot Phase
The program is currently in its pilot phase and will run for six months. During this time, IU Health will evaluate the program’s effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. Based on the results of the pilot, the program may be expanded to other areas in the future.
Collaboration and Funding
Focus+ on Food is a collaboration between IU Health, Second Helpings, and the United Way of Central Indiana. The program is funded by a grant from the American Heart Association. “We are excited to launch this pilot program and collaborate with our partners to address the significant issue of food insecurity among individuals with diabetes,” said Dr. Leslie Taylor, IU Health’s diabetes care director. “We believe that access to nutritious food and nutrition education can empower patients to better manage their condition and live healthier lives.”
IU Health Launches Diabetes Pilot Program to Combat Food Insecurity
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – IU Health has launched a new pilot program, Focus+on+food, to address the food insecurity faced by diabetes patients. This program aims to provide access to nutritious food, diabetes education, and support services to help patients better manage their condition. “Food insecurity is a significant challenge for many people with diabetes, and it can make it difficult to manage their blood sugar levels effectively,” said Dr. Adam D’Andrea, chief medical officer of IU Health. “This program is designed to help remove this barrier and give our patients the tools they need to live healthier lives.” Focus+on+food will provide eligible patients with vouchers for groceries, meal delivery, or other food assistance programs. Patients will also receive diabetes education and support from IU Health dietitians, social workers, and other care team members. The program is currently being implemented at six IU Health clinics in Indianapolis. If successful, it may be expanded to other IU Health locations in the future. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food insecurity affects approximately 29 million Americans, including 1 in 4 children. People with food insecurity are more likely to have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, and to experience poor health outcomes. “We know that food insecurity can have a devastating impact on health, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help our patients overcome this challenge,” said D’Andrea. “This program is an important step in our efforts to improve the overall health of our diabetes patients.” For more information about Focus+on+food, please visit the IU Health website or call the IU Health Diabetes Resource Center at (317) 963-6848.
