WORCESTER—A new program bringing medically tailored groceries to Central Massachusetts residents with chronic illnesses is now accepting participants, thanks to a major grant from The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts.
Community Servings, a Boston-based nonprofit known for its medically tailored meals, has launched the initiative with a $425,000 Synergy Initiative grant from the Worcester-based foundation. The program provides free, customized grocery packages to eligible residents, helping them prepare nutritious meals at home.
“This Synergy Initiative pilot project is the first of its kind to bring medically tailored groceries to the doorsteps of individuals in the region who are food-insecure and ill, and we look forward to measuring the impact of this intervention which takes place in the comfort of participants’ home kitchens,” said Dr. Amie Shei, president and CEO of The Health Foundation, in the announcement. “The transformative nature of this initiative in addressing social determinants of health is fully aligned with our mission to improve health in Central Massachusetts.”
The program aims to improve nutrition and food security for individuals facing health challenges such as diabetes and heart disease. Over the course of 24 weeks, registered dietitian nutritionists from Community Servings will prescribe grocery packages that include fresh produce sourced from Central Massachusetts farms.
Growing Places, a nonprofit based in Leominster, assists to supply the locally grown ingredients. “As a Central Massachusetts-based organization dedicated to improving regional health by leveraging the strengths of our local food system, Growing Places is excited to collaborate with Community Servings on this impactful project,” said Ayn Yeagle, executive director of Growing Places, in a press release. “This initiative creates a mutually beneficial impact: Residents receiving medically tailored groceries gain access to high-quality, nutritious local food that supports their well-being, while our local farmers benefit from a stronger, more resilient agricultural economy.”
This marks a new approach for Community Servings, which has spent 35 years delivering fully prepared medically tailored meals across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Last year, the nonprofit provided more than 64,000 medically tailored meals to 405 clients in Central Massachusetts.
Enrollment is open for up to 55 Central Massachusetts residents who meet eligibility requirements. Participants will receive not only groceries but also recipes, nutrition education, and counseling. Those who complete pre- and post-program surveys receive $25 gift cards for their participation.
To qualify, applicants must have a chronic or critical illness and face a risk of nutritional deficiency due to food insecurity. Participants must also be capable of preparing meals at home.
For more information or to apply, visit FoodIsMedicineMA.org/synergy.
