Integrating Nutrition Into Health Care Is Improving Patient Outcomes in Kansas

Access to healthy food and preventive healthcare are two of the most important factors influencing long-term health. New findings from Heartland Community Health Center’s Food is Medicine program show that combining these supports leads to measurable improvements in patient outcomes.

The Food is Medicine model connects patients with nutritious food, education, and clinical guidance as part of their care plan. The program helps individuals manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension through both medical treatment and nutrition support.

Program Outcomes

Data from recent program evaluations in Douglas County show measurable improvements:

• 75% of participants saw lower A1c levels, a key indicator of improved blood sugar control.

• Patients with hypertension experienced an average drop of 7.7 mmHg in systolic blood pressure.

• Participants reported eating an average of 4.4 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

• Food security increased among participants, meaning patients were more consistently able to access healthy food.

These findings support growing national research that demonstrates how addressing food access alongside medical care can improve patient health and reduce preventable complications.

Health Care and Nutrition Working Together

At Heartland, Food is Medicine is implemented through collaboration among primary care providers, community health workers, the clinical pharmacy team, and the Care Cupboard. Patients are referred to the program during medical visits and receive follow-up education and support focused on nutrition and chronic-condition management.

Food is Medicine classes offer practical instruction on meal planning and preparation, while the Care Cupboard provides shelf-stable and fresh foods that align with patients’ treatment goals.

Statewide Campaign for Improving Health

Heartland’s Food is Medicine initiative is part of a broader effort supported by the Sunflower Foundation and Kansas Health Foundation to strengthen the connection between healthcare and hunger relief statewide. The goal is to expand access to nutrition-based care and to share data and outcomes that inform future health policy in Kansas.

What the Data Shows

The Food is Medicine approach demonstrates that when healthcare and nutrition services work together, measurable improvements follow. Integrating access to nutritious food into medical care supports better health outcomes and greater food security for patients and families in Douglas County

If you need help accessing healthy food or integrated health care, call 785-841-7297 to schedule an appointment or speak with a Community Health Worker.