Food is Medicine
Written by: Erin McEvoy, Director, Brand Strategy
From National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, through National Prime Rib Day on April 27, there are many delicious ways to celebrate National Food Month. While there are fun and unusual food experiences celebrated daily throughout the month, here are 3 food-adjacent issues I’m keeping top-of-mind and addressing not just this month, but year-round.
Distributing Food to Those in Need
Nearly 30 million Americans experienced a significant cut in their monthly food assistance, as extra pandemic-era Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits ended in March. At a time when grocery prices are skyrocketing, families in need are finding it much more difficult to stretch their budgets to feed themselves.
It’s no surprise that food pantries across the country are reporting increasing levels of demand. To address this issue in my community, I became a volunteer at Hope Food Bank. Each month, through monetary and product donations, volunteers assemble 2 bags to share with those in need: one bag contains nonperishables, like peanut butter, oatmeal, rice, and canned goods, and the other bag is filled with fresh produce and bakery items donated by a nearby supermarket.
As families struggle to put food on the table in these trying economic times, the lines at Hope Food Bank seem a bit longer each month. That said, it’s gratifying to hear from our clients firsthand about how much these donations help them, and it fuels my desire to continue to help those in need.
If you’d like to support food assistance programs, this website provides a list of food banks and pantries throughout Pennsylvania, and you can do additional research to find similar organizations in your state.
Ensuring Those With Chronic Illness Have Nutritional Support
Studies have proven that having access to, and consuming, healthy, nutritious food is a vital part of staying healthy. But what about people with chronic health conditions who struggle to make it through the day and preparing a meal is the last thing they have the energy to tackle? Thankfully, there are organizations throughout the country that cater to this need.
One such organization is in my backyard. Philadelphia-based MANNA provides medically tailored meals and evidence-based nutrition counseling at no cost to thousands of Pennsylvanians with chronic illness or disease. Research on MANNA’s impact found a 31% reduction in its clients’ monthly health care costs, primarily from a reduction in hospitalizations and shorter in-patient stays for those who were hospitalized.
MANNA relies on volunteers to prepare, package, and deliver meals to its clients. I’ve participated in several volunteer kitchen shifts: making sandwiches, ladling soup, and packaging pies (aka, the best shift ever). Recently, I joined several RFH colleagues for a shift where we scooped meatballs to be baked the next day. It was a fabulous way to give back to the community and connect with coworkers outside of work.
If you’re in Philly, check out MANNA's website to learn more about this incredible organization and to sign up to volunteer. I’m looking forward to using my RFH-sponsored “Volunteer Time Off” for a MANNA shift in a few weeks. There are organizations like MANNA throughout the country—just do a browser search for “Food Is Medicine” to find one near you.
Supporting Regional Growers
Finding local growers is also key to a flourishing foodscape. Visiting a farmers’ market is not only a tasty and delicious experience, but patronizing such events also supports small businesses and farmers, strengthens the growing demand for locally produced and organic food, and reduces the overall municipal carbon footprint due to the shorter length of food transportation and shopper travel. It’s the highlight of my week to purchase delicious baked goods or an interesting new microgreen.
I recently joined my local Oakmont Farmers’ Market board of directors. We partner with several local food pantries (it’s a holistic cycle of support!) to give their clients access to locally farmed produce, cheese, eggs, meat, wine, beer, honey, and other products.
If you want to check out some options in the Philadelphia area, Philly Magazine published this list of more than 50 farmers’ markets in the region.
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I’ve highlighted a few ways to get involved and support your local foodscape while celebrating National Food Month, as well as mentioned some organizations where I personally share my love of food with people in my community. Now, I might treat my husband and son to a special meal on April 16—National Eggs Benedict Day—and whip up a delicious brunch, all made from ingredients purchased from my farmers’ market!
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At Razorfish Health, the causes that matter to our people matter to us. We support volunteer efforts both as a company through RFHCares, and through our individuals, providing them time off to give back to their communities. If you're interested in learning more, check out our open roles, and come be you and do you with us.