We know all people need quality, nutritious food to lead full, active, healthy lives. However, Allen County residents living in communities without nearby grocery stores and/or affordable farm stands face challenges in accessing quality, affordable food and in knowing how to include it in their diet.

According to Feeding America, in 2020:

• In Allen County, 44,920 residents, or 12% of our residents, were “food insecure.”
• 16,760 children under the age of 18, or approximately 1-in-5 children locally, were struggling with food insecurity. Households with children are more likely to be food insecure than those without children.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that adults in households with less food security are more likely to have a chronic illness, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. HEAL was created as a collaboration between Parkview Health and the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation to help improve health outcomes among residents who may experience food insecurity in Allen County.

HEAL addresses food access and education through two key programs: HEAL Farm Markets, and Our HEALing Kitchen Cooking Classes.