Nutrition Education.

Food insecurity is a lack of consistent access to enough food for a healthy lifestyle. It is a complex problem and for many they do not have basic tools and education to be successful. This grant application addresses this concern. Beacon Clinic for Hope and Health (BCHH) is a free clinic in Harrisburg, PA and currently with the partnership of Penn State College of Medicine (PSCOM) operates a pop-up food pantry for their patients. The population served by Beacon Clinic represents diverse backgrounds that have found Harrisburg, PA and the surrounding communities their home. In 2021, BCHH cared for 1,134 patients and most have chronic disease. Diabetes, hypertension and obesity are major medical concerns. The funds requested will be utilized to purchase crock pots, cooking supplies and spices for the patients. Dauphin County Medical Society Alliance (DCMSA) will assist by furnishing healthy recipes and coordinating the effort. DCMSA has over 80 members and many enjoy cooking. They will be asked to provide recipes for the patients. They will also assist with the distribution of cooking supplies and required education. It will be important for the patients to understand how to utilize the crock pots, cooking tools and the recipe instructions. The focus will be on health literacy. The education will be designed on a 5th grade reading level and available in different languages to match the needs of the patients. The ingredients for the recipes will be provided by Central PA Food Bank and other funding sources currently available.

The project will offer healthy recipes, ingredients and cooking tools to high-risk, underserved patients; provide education and resources necessary to promote success and behavioral change; and partner with Beacon Clinic for Health and Hope, Penn State College of Medicine, and Central PA Food Bank to accomplish the objectives.

Funds from AHEI will be used for nutritional educational and training materials written at an appropriate reading level and in multiple languages.