Maxwell Teams Up with VA and Instacart to Deliver Nutritious Meals to Local Veterans!

When food insecurity was first tracked in the 1990s, researchers mostly looked at low-income families. However, Colleen Heflin, a public administration and international affairs professor, noticed something unusual: military veterans were also at risk of facing food insecurity.

“Military veterans have unique challenges,” she says. Understanding this issue is the first step toward finding solutions.

Now, with a generous $700,000 grant from organizations like The Rockefeller Foundation and the New York Health Foundation, Heflin is leading a significant study aimed at veterans’ health. Partnering with the Maxwell X Lab and the Syracuse VA Medical Center, this year-long research project focuses on improving food access and nutrition for veterans in Central New York.

This study will include around 250 veterans who face health problems like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. These conditions can be influenced by diet, which makes healthy eating crucial. Each month, selected participants will receive a $100 voucher for groceries delivered through Instacart, along with nutritional education from cooking classes and counseling with registered dietitians.

Recent stats highlight the importance of such initiatives. A 2021 report found that about 5.1% of veterans reported experiencing food insecurity, a significant challenge considering their service. By offering support, this pilot program aims to improve nutrition and overall health.

The research will use a rigorous design to ensure accurate results. Participants will complete surveys about their well-being and eating habits from the comfort of their homes. Heflin believes that this approach not only empowers individuals but could also lead to improved health outcomes for veterans across the nation.

The VA Medical Center strongly supports Heflin’s work. After her testimony before Congress on food insecurity among veterans, conversations with VA leaders began, paving the way for this collaboration.

Hannah Patnaik, managing director of the Maxwell X Lab, emphasized the project’s broader aim: “We’re excited to see how tailored grocery programs can benefit the rural veteran population.” They are determined to explore how this initiative can influence public health policies.

The findings could also shape programs beyond the VA, impacting initiatives like SNAP and state-level nutrition services. As Heflin puts it, “Using rigorous scientific methods, we hope to influence health policy for the better.”

This project strives to blend research with real-world benefits, improving the quality of life for veterans. Heflin is driven by the potential impact of the work: “I rarely get a chance to change someone’s life in the moment, and that’s truly exciting.”

If you’re interested in learning more about food insecurity and veterans’ health, check out resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for insights into food policies and programs.

Story by Mikayla Melo.

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