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The League's Mission:
To promote population health equity for all through leadership and programs supporting community health centers and members in achieving their goals of accessible, quality, comprehensive, and community responsive health care.
Food Equity: Addressing Healthcare Disparities through Community Health Centers

Jagdeep (Jay) Trivedi, M.B.A

"I believe that addressing food inequity on a larger scale requires a comprehensive approach that integrates public policy with community-driven initiatives. Implementing policies that support increased access to nutritious foods, incentivize local agriculture, and promote education on healthy eating is essential. Collaboration between government agencies, private sectors, and community organizations is pivotal to creating a sustainable framework for positive change. By fostering a collective commitment to food equity, we can build a healthier, more resilient society that prioritizes the well-being of all its members." ~ Jagdeep (Jay) Trivedi, M.B.A., Chief Executive Officer, Uphams Corner Health Center

As we prepare for the upcoming holidays-a time traditionally marked by abundance and gratitude -we are faced with the stark reality that many people, even within some of our own communities, will not have adequate food during this time, casting a shadow over the holidays and making it less festive.

Food equity refers to the fair distribution of healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate food to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. It recognizes that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right and a primary factor that influences our health. Unfortunately, many underserved communities face barriers such as limited access to grocery stores, high food prices, and inadequate transportation, leading to food insecurity and health disparities. Inadequate transportation may seem like an invalid reason for food insecurity, but without reliable transportation, individuals and families may have difficulty reaching supermarkets or grocery stores that offer a variety of fresh, healthy, and affordable food choices, leaving them dependent on local convenient stores and fast-food restaurants. According to the 2023 Greater Boston Food Bank Statewide Report, one in three Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity, or the lack of consistent access to adequate food in 2022, and 19% of all Massachusetts households experienced food insecurity in 2019, which jumped to 30% in 2020, 32% in 2021, and 33% in 2022*

Food equity is particularly relevant during the upcoming holidays as it highlights the importance of everyone’s need for access to a nutritious and healthy meal. It is a reminder that while many enjoy hearty and rich meals, others grapple with lack of food and more so, nutritious options. Embracing food equity during the holidays encourages us to support initiatives that address hunger and promote equal access to food for all.

Food equity is a critical aspect of addressing healthcare disparities, particularly within the context of Community Health Centers (CHCs). Access to nutritious food plays a vital role in overall health and well-being, and CHCs have a unique opportunity to address food insecurity and promote food equity within their communities. Uphams Corner Health Center in Dorchester, Massachusetts, has been instrumental in supporting food equity by providing:

  • Fair Foods vouchers each Thursday.
  • Stop & Shop Gift Cards for those not eligible for Food Stamps and/or with a low balance based on family size.
  • $50 gift cards for patients 0-18 years old (limit $100 per family per year)
  • $50 gift cards for patients with HTN (Hypertension), willing to have their BP checked monthly.

Community Health Centers serve as trusted healthcare providers in underserved areas, offering comprehensive primary care services to vulnerable populations and can play a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity by implementing various strategies. This can include partnering with local food banks and farmers' markets to provide fresh produce, offering nutrition education, and cooking classes, and integrating screening for food insecurity into routine patient assessments. By identifying and addressing the root causes of food insecurity, CHCs can contribute to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare disparities. East Boston Neighborhood Health Center partners with its community members through its Wellness Garden that empowers patients to invest in their health by growing their own food, while having a positive impact on their physical, mental, and emotional health through social connection and fresh foods.

Through collaboration, advocacy, and a holistic approach to healthcare, we can strive towards a future where everyone has equal access to healthy and affordable food, with the hopes of achieving overall health and well-being.

*Source: Boston.com

The Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation, and Policy

The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (Mass League) is proud to announce the creation of the Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation and Policy, Inc. (IHE), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to support Emancipatory research driven by community health centers. Learn more >>