Project Open Hand was proud to represent our organization at the inaugural Food is Medicine Conference (FIMCON) in Washington, D.C. this June, where leaders from across the country came together to advance the future of research, policy, and practice for the Food is Medicine movement. Read more about the conference on our blog.
Our team shaped key conversations about how research and partnerships can better serve people living with chronic illness. Erika Tribett, Director of Program Strategy and Design, joined a panel to share insights on how community voices (especially the voices of clients and community-based organizations that serve them) must guide this work. She also presented findings from a recent pilot study that highlighted common barriers people face when trying to access Food is Medicine programs, including complicated enrollment processes and inconsistent eligibility requirements.
In addition, our leadership team joined national partners to plan how to scale these programs so more people can benefit, and to explore how food purchasing decisions can better support community health and resilient food systems.
These conversations matter because they directly support Project Open Hand’s mission: making it easier for people to access the nutritious food they need to manage their chronic conditions. We’re proud to bring what we’ve learned back to strengthen our programs and better serve our clients.