#United States #Staten Island #Epicured #Fair Start

Epicured's Innovative "Fair Start" Initiative

On December 17, 2024, Epicured Inc., a prominent player in the food-as-medicine sector, announced a groundbreaking collaboration with the Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS) and Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health to introduce the "Fair Start" initiative. This program aims to demonstrate the transformative power of accessible, nutritious food combined with regular primary care, public health resources, and opportunities for physical activity, all of which are vital for enhancing health outcomes and overall well-being.

The mission behind the "Fair Start" initiative is clear: to tackle the systemic barriers to health equity through improved access, affordability, and consumption of healthy food. As society increasingly recognizes the impact of diet on health, food-centered health interventions—often categorized as 'Food is Medicine'—have proven to be essential to public health strategies and healthcare delivery systems. To achieve this, successful implementation requires close attention to social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN).

With the expertise of Epicured, SI PPS, and Columbia, the initiative sets out to address the complex interrelations between nutrition, health outcomes, and social determinants, focusing specifically on meal provision for underserved communities. Joseph Conte, director of SI PPS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "I cannot think of a better partner than Epicured to prepare upwards of 18,000 meals throughout this initiative. Their focus on nutrition, combined with a culturally sensitive menu, caters to the diverse dietary requirements of our community members."

The "Fair Start" program is reaching a wide array of populations, including veterans, active-duty military personnel, residents of NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority), Medicaid recipients, and college students. Professor Heather Butts from Columbia's Mailman School noted Epicured's logistical capabilities, stating, "I am impressed with Epicured's ability to flex its logistics muscle on the fly while delivering fresh, ready-to-eat meals using best-in-class ingredients. This community is overwhelmed by the quality and variety of the meals."

The excitement surrounding this initiative is palpable. One participant highlighted their delight on the first day of meal distribution, saying, "I'm gonna eat this lasagna for breakfast, I'm so excited." This sentiment underscores the vital role that enjoyable, accessible meals play in fostering a sense of community and support among those who benefit from such nutritional interventions.

Richard Bennett, the CEO of Epicured, shared his enthusiasm for participating in this impactful initiative. "Epicured’s mission of Food is Medicine aligns seamlessly with the goal of providing top-notch nutritional solutions to Americans facing food insecurity. Everyone deserves access to high-quality food made with real ingredients, aimed at delivering healthier outcomes for individuals from all backgrounds. I couldn’t be prouder of our team for being part of this transformative effort."

Going beyond meal provision, the "Fair Start" initiative is designed to explore effective strategies for delivering food to underserved areas while reducing health disparities. Bennett emphasized the importance of this project in learning about logistics and best practices for future outreach. "We are honored to be involved in 'Fair Start' and are eager to gain insights that will allow us to make a significant difference in tackling health inequalities not just in Staten Island, but across the nation."

About the Partners

Epicured Inc.

Founded in 2016, Epicured's mission is to redefine the intersection of healthcare and nutrition. As a leader in the Food is Medicine movement, the organization provides comprehensive solutions for nutritional interventions aiming to combat food inequity and deliver medically tailored diets. Epicured focuses on leveraging scientific and social research to produce high-quality, accessible nutrition solutions.

Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS)

Established in 2014 under New York State Department of Health, SI PPS represents an integrated network of healthcare providers dedicated to improving care quality and health outcomes for Staten Island's Medicaid and uninsured populations. Committed to reducing health disparities through community engagement, SI PPS continues to refine and enhance its networks while supporting health equity initiatives.

Columbia Mailman School of Public Health

The Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health, affiliated with Columbia University, is a leading institution in public health education and research. The school focuses on various public health challenges and promotes solutions that improve population health.

The collaborative efforts behind the "Fair Start" initiative highlight the importance of partnerships in advancing health equity through effective nutrition interventions, ensuring communities receive the food they need for a healthier future.