For immediate release
Contact: Curt Squires | Public Relations and Communications Coordinator | (309) 665-5748
(BLOOMINGTON, Ill. | January 25, 2023) – OSF HealthCare has been awarded grant money from the John M. Scott Health Care Commission, for which the City of Bloomington is the trustee, that will be used to support efforts to combat food insecurity in the community.
The John M. Scott Health Care Trust approved two grants to OSF HealthCare: $15,000 for OSF Peace Meal and $15,000 for Smart Meals. Both programs are designed to assist those who experience food insecurity, which was identified in the 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment as one of the top three biggest health issues facing McLean County.
The OSF SmartMeals program combines a recipe and ingredients to empower individuals to prepare healthy meals at home. The recipes using healthy, affordable, and shelf-stable ingredients are updated each month. They are low in fat and sodium and high in fiber. The focus is to provide these meals to our underserved populations to support the guidelines of the grant requirements.
“OSF St. Joseph is blessed to be in a community where local funds, like the John M. Scott Health Commission, are shared to help improve the lives of those we live, work, play and pray with,” said Erin Kennedy, manager of the Community Health program. “Food insecurity continues to be a foundational health issue. We are excited to offer an avenue to empower, educate, and provide meals to encourage healthy behaviors for an improved quality of life.”
OSF Peace Meal has a mission to help seniors improve their nutrition, sustain their independence and enhance their quality of life through meals and fellowship. The donation will be used to provide meals to low and moderate-income individuals who participate in the program.
The program provides nutritious meals five days a week for seniors age 60 and older. The meals are provided by carryout from an OSF Peace Meal central kitchen. Home delivery is also available.
OSF Peace Meal collaborates with a variety of organizations, transportation providers, home care agencies, food pantries, care centers and the University of Illinois Extension on receiving and providing referrals to connect those in need to resources and services to help maintain their independence.
You can learn more about OSF Peace Meal, make a referral to the program or volunteer, at osfhealthcare.org/OSF-peace-meal.
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