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Food Access in Health Care

Serving Vermont and New Hampshire Since 1986

  • Food as Medicine
    • The Scoop on Food as Medicine
    • Food as Medicine in Vermont
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    • Chronic Conditions and Food
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    • Food & Nutrition Insecurity in Vermont
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Chronic Conditions and Food

Chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension are on the rise, often exacerbated by poor nutrition and limited access to healthy food. Recognizing that what we eat plays a critical role in disease prevention and management of these conditions, many health professionals and organizations are turning to food as a powerful tool for healing. By promoting access to nutritious, whole foods and encouraging healthy eating habits, we can take a proactive approach to managing chronic illnesses and improving overall quality of life. The right food choices can be the foundation of a healthier future.

More about Chronic Conditions and Food

Food plays a vital role in the development and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Poor dietary habits, such as high consumption of processed foods and low intake of fruits and vegetables, can contribute to the onset and worsening of these conditions.

The “Food as Medicine” approach emphasizes using nutritious, whole foods as a central element in both prevention and treatment strategies. This approach can help manage symptoms, reduce medication needs, and improve overall quality of life for patients with chronic conditions. By addressing the root causes of disease through dietary changes, health care providers can offer more effective and sustainable treatment options.


MyHealthyVT

My Healthy Vermont Logo

MyHealthyVT.org is a resource hub designed to help Vermonters manage chronic conditions and improve their overall health. The site offers information on free workshops, tools, and community resources for managing diabetes, quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, and more.

Research Corner

  • Executive functioning and dietary intake: Neurocognitive correlates of fruit, vegetable, and saturated fat intake in adults with obesity

    View article: Executive functioning and dietary intake: Neurocognitive correlates of fruit, vegetable, and saturated fat intake in adults with obesity
  • Medically Tailored Meals as a Prescription for Treatment of Food-Insecure Type 2 Diabetics

    View article: Medically Tailored Meals as a Prescription for Treatment of Food-Insecure Type 2 Diabetics
  • Assessing the impact of medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy on type 2 diabetes: Protocol for Project MiNT

    View article: Assessing the impact of medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy on type 2 diabetes: Protocol for Project MiNT
  • Food Insecurity, Chronic Disease, and Health Among Working-Age Adults

    View article: Food Insecurity, Chronic Disease, and Health Among Working-Age Adults
  • Predicted prevalence of five chronic diseases increased as household food security worsened:

    View article: Predicted prevalence of five chronic diseases increased as household food security worsened:
View additional resources

Recipe Resources

Keep things exciting with new recipes! Check out our Recipe Resources that list websites filled with healthy recipes.

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Contact Us

Interested in learning more? Contact us at Bi-State Primary Care Association for more information.

Contact Us

Bi-State Primary Care Association
525 Clinton Street
Bow, NH 03304

61 Elm Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
802-229-0002

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Bi-State Primary Care Association

HRSA Statement

This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $189,892.00 with 0 percentage financed with non governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

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