For 27 Southeast Kansas residents, better health now starts in the grocery aisle and around the kitchen table. Through the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) Food Is Medicine programs in Pittsburg and Humboldt, participants gained the skills and support they need to make healthier choices for themselves and their loved ones.
Through the program, participants received healthy groceries selected with their individual needs in mind, along with nutrition education and cooking skills training. Additionally, their healthcare teams, including a dietitian, provided one-on-one support and helped identify practical ways to incorporate healthier choices into daily life.
“For example, our dietitian complemented the skills participants were learning—such as reading nutrition labels or shopping for healthy foods on a budget—with adjustments specific to their needs, such as managing chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes,” said Leah Gagnon, CHC/SEK Food Is Medicine Program Manager.
Participants have reported positive changes in their eating habits and grocery shopping practices. “We’ve seen participants become more confident about shopping for, preparing and storing healthy food on a budget, while also making healthier food choices and reducing their consumption of sugary drinks,” said Gagnon. “Those changes can extend beyond the individual to their families, workplaces, and the broader community. That’s what I love about Food Is Medicine—it gives us a way to put CHC/SEK’s mission into action by helping people build knowledge and confidence to take an active role in their health.”
“I learned so much from these classes and have tried a lot of new foods that I have never had before. I have been reading labels and planning balanced meals,” said one participant.
Beyond establishing new habits, participants also experienced measurable improvements in their health. For example, during the six-month program at B&W, participants experienced weight loss and lower A1C blood glucose levels. By the end of the program, nearly half of the participants were exercising four days per week, and 77% of the participants reported consuming two or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
The program was made possible through strong community partnerships. Grant funding from the Sunflower Foundation and Health Forward Foundation played a vital role in supporting the program. Wesley House Food Pantry and B&W Trailer Hitches hosted the programs and connected community members with resources and support.
Katherine Pinto, K-State Extension Wildcat District, provided nutrition education at the Wesley House, and Sandy Haggard, K-State Extension Southwind District, led the lessons at B&W Trailer Hitches. Heather Horton, owner of TOAST restaurant, shared practical cooking tips and kitchen skills with Pittsburg participants.
“I think something that was so special about this project for me was the relationships we got to build with all the participants. I think we were able to make a better impact because we took the time to truly get to know them and their stories, struggles, and beyond,” said Katherine Pinto, Nutrition, Food Safety, & Health Extension Agent for the K-State Extension Wildcat District.
The Kansas Food Bank helped stock participants’ pantries with heart-healthy food options, while Ron’s Supermarket in Pittsburg and OUR Market in Humboldt provided fresh produce and sources of protein.
“Studies show that up to 70% of a person’s health is shaped by what happens outside the doctor’s office: where we live, what we can afford, and what ends up on our tables,” said Gagnon. “Food Is Medicine is one way CHC/SEK meets patients where life actually happens, working alongside community partners so every neighbor has a real chance to feel well and thrive.”