Open Arms of Minnesota

What Is A Medically Tailored Meal? Parts I-V

Part I - What Is A Medically Tailored Meal, The Basics

In Part I, we explore the foundational concepts of medically tailored meals (MTMs). You’ll learn about the meticulous process behind creating these meals, which are specifically designed to meet the dietary needs of individuals with serious illnesses. We also delve into the science behind MTMs, highlighting studies and real-life examples that demonstrate their impact on patient outcomes. 

Read Part I in its entirety HERE

Part II - Accreditation and the Food Is Medicine Coalition

In Part II, we focus on the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC) and the accreditation process. We provide an in-depth look at what it means to be accredited by FIMC, the rigorous standards organizations must meet, and how this accreditation ensures the highest quality of service and care. This segment also highlights Open Arms’ recent achievement of earning FIMC accreditation and what this milestone signifies for our mission and our clients. 

Read Part II in its entirety HERE

Part III - Medically Tailored Meals In Action

In Part III, we feature an exclusive interview with Dr. Yoav Segal and Olga Polyakov, RD, MS, CSR. Dr. Segal and Olga share insights from their experience in the medical field working with Veterans, on the importance of managing critical and chronic illness through healthy nutrition and nutrition counseling and education. They share their insights and observations on the transformative power of Medically Tailored Meals (MTM), offering a firsthand perspective on how MTMs help support patients’ health and well-being.

Part IV - An Interview with Alissa Wassung, Executive Director of Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC)

In Part IV, we took a deep dive into the critical importance of access to accredited food is medicine organizations, in the wake of a STAT article examining the challenges of programs that do not follow medically tailored meal (MTM) and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) guidelines for clients who are critically or chronically ill. We spoke with Alissa Wassung, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Food Is Medicine Coalition. In this interview, we discuss the outcomes of current initiatives, emerging research legislation and research, and the potential for expanding the reach and impact of Medically Tailored Meals. Alissa will also share her vision for the future, highlighting key areas of focus and opportunities for innovation in the intersection of food and health.

Part V - Outcomes For Our Clients

In Part V, we focus on those who directly benefit from Medically Tailored Meals (MTM). We speak with Rod Metzger, a client of Open Arms, about his journey and the impact our meals have had on his health and daily life. From managing chronic conditions to experiencing renewed energy and vitality, Rod shares how Open Arms supported him in making meaningful strides in his health. Through this conversation, we explore the real-world outcomes of medically tailored meals and the profound difference they can make in the lives of individuals facing critical health challenges. 

More from Open Arms

Leah Hebert Welles Minnesota Legislature on behalf of the Senior Meals and Services Coalition

Hebert Welles Testifies Before Minnesota Legislature

Open Arms CEO Leah Hebert Welles Testifies before Minnesota Legislature on behalf of the Senior Meals and Services Coalition On Wednesday, March 12, Open Arms CEO, Leah Hebert Welles, joined Dawn Simonson of Trellis and Jeff Wyant of Semcac in testifying before the Minnesota

Read More »
Food bank news graphic

Food Bank News Feature

Open Arms Featured In Food Bank News Online Magazine We’re proud to share that Open Arms of Minnesota has been featured in Food Bank News, a national, editorially independent, nonprofit media organization dedicated to covering issues impacting food banks and the broader fight against

Read More »
Feast save the date graphic.

Moveable Feast 2025 Set For May 15

Save The Date for Moveable Feast 2025 Open Arms of Minnesota’s 21st annual Moveable Feast will be held on Thursday, May 15. This year’s Moveable Feast may look a little different than past events, as we create community, and raise critically needed funds during this uncertain and difficult time for

Read More »

IN A CHAOTIC WORLD, WE CAN SHOW LOVE IN ACTION!

When life feels overwhelming, there’s one thing we can control: showing care, love, and compassion to one another. This February, Give from the Heart in honor or memory of someone special. Your gift will provide life-saving medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to someone facing a critical illness. We’ll send a heartfelt card to your honoree or their family, sharing your loving tribute.

Open Arms of Minnesota Earns Accreditation from Food Is Medicine Coalition

Open Arms of Minnesota, the Twin Cities-based non-profit dedicated to providing nourishing, medically tailored meals to individuals with critical illnesses, has earned accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC). This recognition places Open Arms among an elite group of organizations nationwide that have demonstrated a high standard of care in delivering medically tailored meals (MTM).

End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!