Written by: Rhonda Gonzalez, FAKH Director of Agency Services & Programs
March is National Nutrition Month, a perfect time to reflect on how the food choices we make affect our health. At Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland (FAKH), we not only work to provide food for those in need across our 42-county region, but we are also committed to ensuring the food we distribute helps create a balanced and nutritious diet for our neighbors.
As the Director of Agency Services & Programs at FAKH and as someone with a background in public health, I recognize the importance of not just fighting food insecurity but also promoting healthy eating habits. It’s crucial to ensure that those we serve not only have access to food but have access to foods that will positively impact their health in the long run.
Through our school pantries, distribution events, and partnerships with local organizations, we strive to provide healthy food options to individuals and families facing food insecurity. One of our most exciting collaborations is with Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, which, last year, announced a $250,000 partnership to improve health outcomes in underserved communities. Working in partnership, we aim to improve access to nutritious food in rural areas and communities of color, where fresh produce and healthy foods are sometimes hard to come by. This initiative has made it possible to distribute tens of thousands of nutritious meals each month through seven agency partners in five counties. By promoting healthier food choices, we help neighbors improve their well-being and develop better eating habits.
In addition to our work with Aetna, we also partner with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare in Kentucky through the Serving Up Fresh program. This collaboration makes fresh, nutritious foods more accessible to local families, helping them maintain healthy diets, especially during times when fresh produce may be too expensive. Since 2019, Serving Up Fresh has distributed millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, closing nutrition gaps and improving health outcomes across Kentucky’s Heartland.
Both of these partnerships demonstrate how small changes can make a big impact. Healthy food access is a key step in preventing chronic diseases such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. If you’re at risk, simple changes like reducing carbohydrates in your diet can make a significant difference in managing or preventing health conditions.
As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, I encourage everyone to assess their current diet and consider making small changes to your eating habits. Even little steps can have lasting benefits for your health and well-being. I also encourage everyone to consider how they can help FAKH’s work to improve the health of our region. To learn more, click here.
Let’s work together to build a healthier, more informed Heartland, one meal at a time.
