AR health center aims to get more healthy foods to expecting mothers – Public News Service
A southeast Arkansas healthcare system is using grant money to help increase its patients’ access to healthy foods.
Mainline Health Systems will use the funds to focus on healthy eating habits for people who are expecting.
Work will include showing families how to grow their own fruits and vegetables, and establishing farmers markets that cater specifically to the needs of pregnant women and new mothers.
Health System Registered Dietitian Jane Pelkki said they will teach new moms the basics of eating healthy.
“Eating healthy doesn’t have to cost a lot, that it’s doable and that there are food assistance programs such as WIC and SNAP, food stamps,” said Pelkki. “And we’re also going to provide some food to help moms understand what a healthy meal looks like.”
Mainline is one of eight health systems nationwide to participate in the National Innovation Incubator program.
It’s sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers and the global healthcare company, Abbott.
Research shows almost 13% of U.S. households experience food insecurity – or don’t have access to an affordable, nutritious diet.
Merrill Warschoff-Press – senior vice president at NACHC – said the facilities play an integral part in improving the overall health of patients, and address social issues that may cause illnesses.
“They reach far beyond the walls of the traditional exam room, not only to prevent illness and treat it, but also to really address the social drivers that may cause poor health,” said Warschoff-Press, “so whether it’s food insecurity and poor nutrition or even housing, joblessness, mental illness, substance use disorders.”
At the end of the six-month pilot program, results will be shared with 1,400 health centers nationwide. That could impact the overall health of more than 31 million patients across the country.
