
Where there is food, there is life — and nutritious food brings a life of quality and dignity.
However, for many, limited resources make this quality of life feel out of reach. Oftentimes, affordable food tends to be unhealthy, which can be harmful to those living with health conditions. Their bodies require a good source of nutrition.
So, what happens when someone is not only food insecure, but also managing a health condition?
Monique and her team at Feeding Westchester recognized this need and are working to meet it through the Food Is Medicine program.
When asked about the program, Monique shared,
“Participants come to pick up food at least twice per month and we provide nutrition education opportunities — including cooking demonstrations and workshops… to improve their quality of life.”
As a dietitian, Monique is eager to prioritize nutrition within conversations about food insecurity:
“You need a well-balanced diet for your body just to thrive, and for you to feel good and do all the things that we want to do.”
Nutrition is even more vital to those managing a health condition. As Monique explains:
“Learning how to eat properly and having the tools and resources to do so makes a big difference when it comes to chronic diseases like diabetes.”
Monique is not alone in her efforts. With a dedicated team behind her, every participant has the resources they need to live a healthier life.
One of these incredible team members is Jane, a volunteer with Feeding Westchester and Food Is Medicine.
Jane reflects on what makes volunteering for this program so meaningful to her:
“To be able to give food and see the same people every week and get to know them a little bit… you just know they feel welcomed.”
Because of Jane, Monique, and many others, participants like Lucia feel a warm embrace from the moment they step through the door.
As a cancer survivor, Lucia depends on the program not only to give her healthy and affordable food, but also for guidance to help her stay strong.
And thankfully, she did!
Lucia shared,
“I live in a very difficult time. I’m disabled and the food helps me. I only have one paycheck a month… and sometimes I don’t have enough food. But now — I have food.”
The volunteers and staff had a special role to play in Lucia’s fight against cancer.
“They want to help you… I survived cancer — because they gave me food.”
Others in the program express the same gratitude. One neighbor shared:
“I’m very thankful for this program, especially because I am able to eat more healthily, and I actually even lost weight.”
Beyond nourishment, Food Is Medicine offers practical skills that help participants with everyday tasks.
One neighbor, Vernessa, speaks on these skills, saying,
“It’s just been eye-opening… I am finding that I’m looking at labels a little bit more than I used to, and when they give us the fresh fruits from the cooking demonstrations, I use them at home.”
From workshops to home life, Food Is Medicine provides the tools for neighbors to change their health.
And now, participants get to live quality lives — filled with good health and hope — not defined by illness and food insecurity.