Like many nonprofit organizations across the country, some of Open Hand’s federal funding streams are under threat of being reduced or eliminated. Thus, we’re continuing to do our part to underscore the value proposition and ongoing impact of our vital services to the community.
Last week I traveled to Washington D.C. to join forces with our colleagues in the national Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC). These organizations share the same commitment to providing medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling. Together, we advocated for the protection of federal dollars that are helping each of our organizations provide essential services to individuals in need.
I reminded legislators on both sides of the aisle about the unique value and deep importance of our medically tailored meals and nutrition education on the lives of clients battling serious chronic health conditions or who are greatly at risk, including:
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Our patient-centered approach uses food and nutrition to prevent and treat disease, providing a better quality of life to those desperately ill.
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The people we serve come from all walks of life and from across the political spectrum. Chronic illness knows no ideology, and we don't ask: we're only here to help those who need it.
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Expensive medication can't be the only path to wellness. Medically tailored meals are another form of therapy that improves the well-being and long-term outcomes of those with chronic diseases.
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Escaping the cycle of poor nutrition, poverty and bad health requires organizations with expertise, like Open Hand and our partners within the Food is Medicine Coalition, to guide public policy. We have the tools and resources to help people build a long-term path to better health.
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Every dollar spent on nutritious foods and nutrition education alleviates the need for costly long term pharmaceutical intervention. It also:
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Reduces overall medical costs by curbing hospital readmissions and additional care
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Can save the taxpayer dollars
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Reduces the strain on our overwhelmed health care system
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Catalyzes better outcomes for patients
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I was grateful to legislators from both sides of the aisle that intently listened to us, but there is still much work to be done. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate for the preservation of funding streams that help fuel our mission and provide the love, dignity, and nutrition that at-risk Georgians deserve.
While we continue this advocacy work, we are asking our supporters to be especially generous with their annual contributions, as your generosity is needed now more than ever. These are very uncertain times for Open Hand and for many healthcare providers. Thank you for your continued belief in the power of food as medicine.
- Matthew Pieper, CEO of Open Hand