Food, Farms & Nutrition: Grant Expands Access to CHP Nutrition Programs, Food and CSA Farm Shares
“Healthy food and good nutrition can influence overall health and wellness. This program is a great help to our team in reaching more people with services – and good food.” ~ Michelle Derr, Director, CHP Family Services
Thanks to a MassHealth grant of nearly $150,000, Berkshire Fallon Health Collaborative (BFHC) clients will benefit from enhanced nutrition services, transportation assistance and improved food access options through a new CHP Family Services program.
The Flexible Services Nutrition Program’s expanded nutrition education, cooking classes, food pantry access, food vouchers and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships will broaden CHP Family Services’ outreach to BFHC members. People experiencing food insecurity, individuals with high A1C levels and high-risk pre-natal women will benefit.
“We are now participating even more directly in looking at the social and environmental factors impacting health, both in our medical practices and inside Family Services,” said Lia Spiliotes, CEO of CHP. “This new program, in partnership with BFHC, is a tool for helping people in our community whose health may be compromised due to nutrition challenges and food access issues.”
The MassHealth Delivery System Reform Incentive program grant was awarded to BFHC. The larger portion of the grant for nutrition assistance is being implemented by CHP Family Services, a collaborative partner; other local agencies received funds to assist with housing services.
BFHC is the region’s Accountable Care Organization, which administers health coverage for MassHealth patients. BFHC members interested in participating may call (413) 528-0457.