For more than five years, our Health Buddies program has paired trained volunteers with older adults living with chronic conditions, helping them stay socially connected, improve health outcomes, and reduce preventable hospital visits. Over time, we’ve seen a pattern we can’t ignore: food insecurity and poor nutrition are directly linked to worsening chronic illness. Many participants rely on ultra-processed foods, which can make conditions like diabetes and heart disease harder to manage.
Diet-related chronic diseases are the most common health conditions in the U.S., and poor nutrition is also tied to depression, anxiety, and stress. It’s clear: if we want to help seniors thrive, we need to address not just social connection, but also access to healthy food, embracing the idea of food as medicine.
Thanks to a generous Senior Citizen Services Wellness Grant from the Pinellas Community Foundation, 50 older adults in our Health Buddies program are now receiving six bi-weekly deliveries of fresh produce. Partnering with Access to Fresh, we’re making sure seniors get real, wholesome ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and seasonal favorites that fuel better health and better days. Mary shared, “I’m working hard to eat healthier and change my food habits, and the fresh produce has helped a lot! My Health Buddy Alexendra has been sending recipes and supporting me along the way. I live with Crohn’s disease and I’m awaiting a liver transplant, and having her in my corner means so much.”
This effort is giving seniors the tools to manage their health, stay independent, and feel supported. We’re proving that a bag of fresh produce can be a powerful prescription for a healthier, happier life.
Know a senior who could use a Health Buddy? We’re looking for more folks to serve! Health Buddies provide companionship, encouragement, and now an extra touch of healthy goodness. Reach out to us at HealthBuddies@SeniorsInService.org or click the button to learn more.