Project Open Hand has been awarded a grant from the American Heart Association's "Food is Medicine" initiative to explore how to effectively integrate Food is Medicine programs- like medically tailored meals and groceries- to enhance healthy eating for individuals living with heart conditions.
The 18-month study funded by this grant will be conducted in partnership with UCSF, and will help to understand effective approaches and gaps in knowledge for the referral, engagement, and retention of people in Food is Medicine programs. The ultimate goal of this study will be to optimize approaches for patients to engage in programming, and improve long-term health habits for people living with heart conditions.
While the benefits of Food is Medicine programs are well-documented, barriers exist across the continuum of health care to connect and keep people engaged with them. For example, a lack of capacity and standardized workflow in clinics and health centers may hinder the discussion and referral of patients to Food is Medicine programming, like Project Open Hand. Fractured coordination of care between referring medical providers and organizations could also mean a lack of follow-up or incomplete applications for services. Moreover, someone receives services, it can be difficult for those managing complex health conditions to keep using them. Effective care navigation and communications strategies are needed to help people enroll and stay engaged.
This research will apply behavioral science to Food is Medicine initiatives and use interventions that will be easily scalable to benefit others interested in improving cardiovascular health outcomes in people.
Read the Press Release
In addition to Project Open Hand, Community Servings in Boston and God's Love We Deliver in New York were also selected for this exciting grant opportunity. Read the full press release for the grant here.