The Fresh Fork Market is a program from Operation Food Search, designed to improve health outcomes for food-insecure individuals who are also struggling to manage their chronic health conditions. This new program launched in late 2022 with services and health interventions that recognize and respond to the critical link between nutrition and chronic disease. Through this effort, as well as others, OFS is committed to providing healthy foods and supportive services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals living with or at risk for serious health conditions affected by diet.
Food Is Medicine: Improving Health Outcomes
At our Fresh Fork Market in Mercy Clinic Ferguson, registered participants shop for free refrigerated, fresh, and shelf-stable food items. Every Wednesday for 12 weeks, they can take home the equivalent of three meals for the family. The foods are not only delicious; they help lower blood pressure and blood glucose.
The OFS team is on site to provide cooking demonstrations, tastings and education that give patients information they need to eat healthier and manage their health challenges. Community Health Workers meet with participants as needed, and any medical issues that arise are communicated directly with Mercy staff.
We’re building our program to help even more people with hypertension and/or diabetes who are experiencing food insecurity improve their health outcomes and wellness.
