Open Arms of Minnesota and M Health Fairview Partner to Provide Medically Tailored Meals to Patients
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (July 16, 2024) — Open Arms of Minnesota is excited to announce a new partnership with M Health Fairview to provide medically tailored meals to individuals who are pregnant and those living with diabetes. This collaboration aims to address the critical need for nutritious, medically appropriate food among populations facing chronic health conditions and barriers to accessing proper nutrition.
“Open Arms is excited to collaborate with M Health Fairview on this crucial initiative,” said Leah Hebert Welles, CEO at Open Arms of Minnesota. “Medically tailored meals are central to our mission, and we are committed to delivering the essential nutrition needed now not only by those facing critical illnesses, but also for those individuals facing health issues during pregnancy. Through this partnership, we strive to significantly enhance the health and well-being of our Minnesota neighbors, empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
The partnership stems from both pressing and emerging needs recognized by M Health Fairview: the intersection of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, and the challenges many individuals face in accessing healthy, delicious food and the critical need for good nutrition during pregnancy. Chronic diseases impact millions across the nation, and proper nutrition is a cornerstone of managing these conditions. Yet, financial constraints and mobility issues often hinder individuals from obtaining the meals they need to maintain their health.
By partnering with Open Arms of Minnesota, an organization focused on food as medicine for nearly 40 years, M Health Fairview aims to enhance their existing Food is Medicine program, which currently serves patients experiencing food insecurity. The new initiative will integrate medically tailored prepared meals into this program, supporting patients with specific dietary needs due to pregnancy or diabetes. This collaboration will enable M Fairview to identify eligible patients, streamline referral processes, and provide additional support services, including nutrition education and healthcare navigation.
“This partnership also allows us to extend our services to individuals beyond our current qualifying diagnoses, giving us the chance to further assess the impacts of medically tailored meal interventions on health, well-being, and food security,” added Hebert Welles. “Members of the Open Arms client services team will implement our signature outreach program to personally contact each patient to discuss menu options, provide initial support from our nutrition team, and coordinate their meal delivery or pickup schedule.”
Over the grant period of approximately one year, M Health Fairview expects to provide 32,760 new or additional meals to those in need. This program is anticipated to significantly impact local health outcomes, improve the quality of life for participants, and reduce healthcare costs associated with managing chronic conditions. Furthermore, by enhancing food security and promoting health equity, the partnership contributes to the overall well-being and resilience of the community.
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About Open Arms of Minnesota
Open Arms of Minnesota is a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers nourishing meals free of charge to critically ill Minnesotans and their families. By providing food as medicine, Open Arms nourishes its clients and builds community.
About M Health Fairview
M Health Fairview is the collaboration between the University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Physicians, and Fairview Health Services. The healthcare system combines the best of academic and community medicine – expanding access to world-class, breakthrough care through our 10 hospitals and 60 clinics.
