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.