At Open Hand, we’ve long said that food is medicine. It’s more than a phrase — it’s a belief system that drives our work every day. That’s why I’m so proud to share that Open Hand has officially earned accreditation from the Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC) — a significant milestone for our organization, and for the field as a whole.
This accreditation recognizes what we’ve always known: that medically tailored meals, designed and delivered with clinical precision and care, play a powerful role in improving health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and giving people the dignity of better health through better nutrition.
As a charter member of the Food is Medicine Coalition, Open Hand has helped lead this national movement from the beginning. We’ve worked for more than a decade with our FIMC partners to define the highest possible standards for medically tailored meal interventions. Now, with the launch of the FIMC Medically Tailored Meal Intervention Accreditation Criteria and Requirements (FIMC MTM ACR), those standards are officially in place — and we’re proud to be among the first organizations in the country to meet them.
What Does Accreditation Mean?
Accreditation is more than a stamp of approval — it’s a framework that ensures consistent, high-quality care for the people we serve. It means we’ve met a rigorous set of benchmarks, including:
- Regular assessment of our clients’ nutritional needs
- Customization of every meal to align with specific medical conditions
- Adherence to food safety protocols, HIPAA protections, and clinical documentation standards
- Ongoing quality improvement measures
- Integration of volunteer support
- And most importantly, a client-centered model rooted in dignity and respect
This is about more than operational excellence. Accreditation tells health care providers, policymakers, and the broader community that we’re a trusted partner — not just in feeding people, but in caring for them through lifesaving medically tailored meals and nutrition interventions.
Why It Matters
We’re at a tipping point. Across the country, the food is medicine movement is gaining traction — not just in communities, but in Congress and the health care industry. More people are beginning to understand that medically tailored meals are not a luxury. They’re essential, especially for individuals living with complex, chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and kidney disease.
What’s Next
While we celebrate this milestone, our focus remains the same: serving the people who count on us for the nutrition and compassion they need to heal and thrive. Our meals will continue to be crafted by registered dietitian nutritionists, delivered by passionate volunteers and staff, and tailored to meet each client’s unique health needs.
And we’ll continue to advocate — for more recognition, more investment, and more support for medically tailored meal programs. Because everyone deserves access to the kind of care that treats them like a whole person, not just a diagnosis.
To our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners: thank you. Your support has made this achievement possible, and your belief in our mission keeps us moving forward. Let’s keep raising the bar — together.