The Fresh Fork Market launched in late 2022 and ran through the end of 2023. The program was designed to improve health outcomes for food-insecure individuals who are also struggling to manage their chronic health conditions. The program provided services and health interventions that recognized and responded to the critical link between nutrition and chronic disease.
OFS is continuing to explore other ways to address the need for nutrition and services tailored for specific health conditions as part of our Fresh Rx program.
Food Is Medicine: Improving Health Outcomes
At our Fresh Fork Market in Mercy Clinic Ferguson, registered participants shop for free refrigerated, fresh, and shelf-stable food items. Every week for 12 weeks, they can take home the equivalent of three meals for the family. The foods are not only delicious; they help lower blood pressure and blood glucose.
The OFS team is on site to provide cooking demonstrations, tastings and education that give patients information they need to eat healthier and manage their health challenges. Community Health Workers meet with participants as needed, and any medical issues that arise are communicated directly with Mercy staff.
We’re building our program to help even more people with hypertension and/or diabetes who are experiencing food insecurity improve their health outcomes and wellness.
