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Food bank offers tailored food boxes for people in need with chronic illness

Food Bank of the Rockies' Food for Health program delivers healthy food boxes to people with chronic health conditions who are facing food insecurity.

DENVER — Many people who face food insecurity also have chronic illness. That's why Food Bank of the Rockies is working to make sure people who are food insecure and living with complex medical conditions have food that's tailored to their needs.

Through the food bank's Food for Health program, people with a medical condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease or hypertension can qualify to receive a food box every week for a year.

To enroll, healthcare providers screen patients for food insecurity, and if they qualify, a food bank representative sets up their food deliveries.

Blake Bigger, healthcare partnership coordinator at Food Bank of the Rockies, said the food in each box is designed to be healthy for the heart and diabetic friendly. 

"Some of those foods include whole grains, low-fat milk, canned fruits and veggies, nutrients and snacks, seasonings or spices, as well as fresh produce," Bigger said.

People who receive these food boxes said the program allows them to buy what they want from the grocery store, not just what they need.

"We've heard directly from our neighbors receiving food deliveries of how much it's impacted their need," Bigger said. "They're able to free themselves of expenses and can pay for medications."

Sherri Marsh has received the food boxes through the program for almost a year. 

"I can go to the store with a smile saying, 'Oh, I can get this now. I can get this today, and it just works out fine,'" Marsh said.  

The Food for Health program began in the fall of 2022. Since then, the program has provided around 12,000 food boxes, including almost 60,000 pounds of fresh produce. Today, they're delivering more than 1,000 boxes each month.

"It gives a person a great feeling when you don't have to count on other people to bring you stuff or worry about where your next meal is coming from," Marsh said.

9NEWS works with Food Bank of the Rockies as part of our 9Cares Colorado Shares Drive. Learn how to make a donation here

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