AUGUST 24 • 2023 | 37
Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Washtenaw
County has been accepted into the latest
cohort of the Food is Medicine Coalition’s
Medically Tailored Meal Accelerator
Program. This opportunity positions JFS
to become a national leader in providing
medically tailored meals and underscores
the organization’s commitment to support-
ing the ever-growing needs of the commu-
nity.
The Medically Tailored Meal Accelerator
Program, administered by the Food is
Medicine Coalition, is an initiative designed
to support and empower organizations in
delivering nutritionally targeted meals to
individuals with specific medical condi-
tions. Through this program, JFS will have
access to invaluable resources, training
and expertise, enabling the organization
to enhance its existing services and offer
even more comprehensive care to its
clients.
A medically tailored meal is a specialized
meal plan prescribed by a healthcare pro-
fessional, typically a doctor or registered
dietitian, to address the specific dietary
needs of individuals with chronic diseases
or medical conditions such as diabetes,
high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer
and HIV/AIDS. These meals are designed
to provide optimal nutrition while aligning
with the individual’s treatment plan and
medication regimen.
The main objective of medically tailored
meals is to support disease management,
promote overall health and improve quality
of life. These meals are carefully crafted
to meet specific nutritional requirements,
taking into account factors such as calorie
intake, macronutrient composition, portion
sizes and dietary restrictions. They are
prepared with an emphasis on fresh, whole
foods and are often customized to accom-
modate individual preferences, allergies
or intolerances. Examples of medically
tailored meals include diabetic meal plans
focused on controlling blood sugar lev-
els; meal plans for hypertension aimed at
reducing sodium (salt) intake and increas-
ing potassium-rich foods; and heart-healthy
meal plans typically focused on reducing
saturated and trans fats, cholesterol and
sodium while promoting the consumption
of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and antioxi-
dants.
“We are thrilled and honored to have
been accepted into the Medically Tailored
Meal Accelerator Program,” said Chrissy
Taylor, senior director of Community
Assistance. “This represents a significant
milestone for our organization and rein-
forces our dedication to improving the
health and well-being of our community
members. We look forward to collaborating
with experts in the field and implementing
best practices that will elevate our medical-
ly tailored meal programs to new heights.”
The program is set to commence in the
second half of August.
By joining the Medically Tailored Meal
Accelerator Program, JFS demonstrates
its dedication to staying at the forefront of
innovative solutions by implementing these
programs into its Specialty Food Pantry.
JFS’s involvement in this program will
allow the organization to expand its capac-
ity, improve meal quality and refine these
important processes. JFS aims to enhance
its comprehensive approach to supporting
individuals’ overall well-being and reduce
the burden of illness.
— By Gabby Markowitz
JFS Joins Medically Tailored Meal
Accelerator Program
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JFS
dexterity issues, which can pre-
clude their preparing certain
foods. The new kitchen will
enable JFS to prepare new food
options like cut prepped veg-
etables and bundled snacks to
make it easier for older adults to
eat healthful choices.
JFS has long been committed
to making food as barrier-free
as possible for all Washtenaw
County residents. JFS is the
county’s only specialty food
pantry catering to medical, reli-
gious and cultural diets, such as
halal and kosher options. For
those unable to visit the pantry
in person, delivery options are
available, and a new online
ordering system will make
ordering food ahead easier than
ever before.
“No one should have to
decide between nutritious food
and paying for other critical
needs such as medicine and
rent,
” said Sarah Schneider
Hong, chief program officer
at JFS. “We all have a shared
responsibility to address food
insecurity, and our new kitchen
and pantry is a big step toward
meeting the needs of the com-
munity.
”
Gabby Markowitz is manager of
development events at Jewish Family
Services of Washtenaw County. Learn
more at www.nourishnutritionservices.
org.