Thank you for your interest!
Thank you for your interest!
Community Health Services at Comfort Food Community
The potential health impact of improving diet within our population is immense. Less than 25% of adults in our geographic area eat the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Furthermore, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and a range of chronic illnesses are begun or exacerbated by food insecurity.
Food as Medicine is a developing field and we are proud to amplify the research and social equality practices to best serve anyone in need.
In 2018, we began providing public health education through our pantry services, at the community garden, and within the Greenwich Free Library, Greenwich School District, and the Greenwich Youth Center. We expanded our services to address a range of social determinants of health.
Our Community Health Services Include:
Understanding trauma and its physiological and psychological effects
Reducing stress through techniques such as yoga, physical exercise, hiking, and meditation
Growing your own produce, gardening skills, and fermentation of fruits and vegetables
Providing nutrition education for children, parents, and individuals with chronic illnesses
Fresh Food Farmacy
In 2019, we developed our first clinically-based food as medicine program in collaboration with area healthcare providers. The Fresh Food Farmacy is a two-pronged program involving long term intensive food and dietary education along with in-clinic food and resource outreach.
The Impact
Annually, we distribute over 60,000 lbs of local produce from over 30 local farms to patients of whom identify as food insecure.
Participants in the long-term program were diabetic with HbA1c levels over 8, a Body Mass Index over 30, and low-income. They received medically tailored produce, nutritional counseling, culinary education, and care management services.
To present day, over 50% of the population succeeded in decreasing their A1c level, blood pressure, and weight through a diverse, plant-based diet and supportive education.
Community Outreach at the
Glens Falls & Saratoga Farmers Markets
Comfort Food Community began facilitating a produce prescription program at the Glens Falls Farmers Market in March of 2020. This intervention partners with healthcare agencies to identify low income individuals experiencing chronic illnesses and provides food access vouchers, health and social care resources, and nutrition education.
The Impact
In 2021, CFC provided over 5,700 nutrition and health resources to individuals throughout the region. Furthermore, we directed $27,000 to our local food economy through community health partnerships with CDPHP and Nourish NY.
In 2022, the program expanded to reach individuals at the Saratoga Farmers Market.
For more information on our Community Health Programs please contact marisa@comfortfoodcommunity.org
“I am diabetic and a single mother on a very limited budget and having access to local farm’s food has been beneficial to my health. I was able to get foods that I would normally not buy or aren’t available in my market. I also started a new medication when I joined the Produce Prescription Program, which allowed me to start eating more vegetables, fruits, fish, and yogurt/dairy. This also helped me cook more vegetables and fish. My sugars are almost within normal range, which is great because they were dangerously high earlier this year. My blood sugars are now under good control.
Since meeting CFC staff and being a part of Comfort Food Community’s Glens Falls Farmers Market Produce Prescription Program, I'm eating better. I am more aware of what I need to eat in order to stay healthy not only with my diabetes, but also with anxiety, inflammation, and other health issues. She sent me information to help me understand the nutritional impact of food on my mind and body. She also guided me in what types of food to eat to help ease anxiety. Knowing the foods I receive from the farmers market are healthy and fresh, I believe they are the best for my son and me. I am thankful for this program and appreciate all that CFC has done! This is a really great program! Thanks again!”
– Lisa, Produce Prescription Program client