Food As Health Alliance at the University of Kentucky Celebrates Official Launch

KAHP to fund four pilot research projects with $200K contribution 

Kentucky Association of Health Plans Pres. and CEO Tom Stephens joins UK Food As Health Alliance Program Director Alison Gustafson, PhD at a launch event.

LEXINGTON, KY APRIL 27 2023 — The Food as Health Alliance, based in UK’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, celebrated their official launch. The event was held on April 26 at the Food Connection and brought together board members, donors, and partners to lay the groundwork for how to reduce food insecurity and improve diet-sensitive health outcomes across the Commonwealth.

The Alliance seeks to integrate partnerships between clinic, community, academic, and industry, To create a statewide approach to delivery, evaluation, and technical assistance for food as medicine programs. This event featured the announcement of a $200,000 contribution from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, which will fund four upcoming research pilot projects in both urban and rural communities.

The four pilot programs have key partnerships with industry, non-profit, and clinical entities to understand the most cost-effective and clinically meaningful food delivery program, such as grocery prescription or medically tailored meals. Clinical outcomes will be measured along with impacts on healthcare costs among food insecure adults who are experiencing, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and gestational diabetes.

“I am so moved by the array of individuals and organizations across our state that are devoted to reducing food insecurity and improving the health of our residents,” said Alison Gustafson, PhD, RD, MPH Director of Food as Health Alliance

The event also highlighted the Alliance’s accomplishments since its soft launch in January 2023. These accomplishments include the development of a website and social media accounts, production of 10 nutrition focused cooking videos, the release of internal grant funding, and plans for clinician training videos.

To learn more, please visit foodashealthalliance.ca.uky.edu