We partnered with ARCHI (Atlanta Regional Commission for Health Improvement) and its Community Resource Hubs to provide six weeks' worth of meals to clients who screened positive for food insecurity. The goal was to meet the needs of low-income people who have been diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. In 2022, 93% of Open Hand clients maintained or improved their blood pressure, 94% improved their cholesterol and 94% maintained or improved blood sugar levels. While we're still processing the data from this project, we're hopeful to see similar improvement.

The need for nutritious meals is huge. Although Open Hand received this grant to provide meals for those most in need over the next year, most meals spoken for within the first 30 days, and the rest were allotted out within the first three months. All of the clients served by this program were new to Open Hand. A majority of those served (77%) also required additional services such as housing, transportation, utility help, SNAP, and other benefits or additional food resources.

Food is medicine, and we can improve the health of our community, one meal at a time. With ARCHI's continued partnership, we hope to support another round of meals for the Community Resource Hub network and continue to improve health outcomes, help increase food security, and avoid hospital readmissions.