United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut has formed a new partnership with Project FoodBox to enhance nutrition for young children. This initiative aims to deliver carefully chosen fruits and vegetables directly to families with kids aged 0-5. With funding of $50,000 from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s CT Grown for CT Kids grant, this program goes beyond typical food assistance.
The project focuses on providing not just any food, but the right food. Standard food banks often prioritize quantity over quality, but Project FoodBox, led by registered dietitians, tailors grocery deliveries to meet each child’s specific nutritional needs.
“This partnership is a game-changer in early childhood nutrition,” says Isabel Almeida, President and CEO of United Way. “We’re not just giving out food; we’re ensuring that children receive the essential nutrition they need as they grow.”
The delivery boxes contain about 10 pounds of fresh, Connecticut-grown produce. Steve Brazeel, Founder and CEO of Project FoodBox, emphasizes the importance of expanding access to healthy foods. “Fresh fruits and vegetables can help prevent chronic diseases, and we’re committed to reducing food insecurity,” he explains.
To make this program successful, United Way and Project FoodBox have created a new network among community organizations, healthcare providers, and local farms. This collaboration is essential for improving health outcomes. The pilot program in Danbury showcases how these groups can work together to provide better access to fresh produce for families.
Over the next four months, the program plans to distribute 1,200 medically tailored food boxes through 25 family childcare programs, benefiting around 150 families. Elizabeth Quiñonez, Senior Director for Early Childhood Initiatives at United Way, highlights the positive impact. “Kids are more excited about trying new vegetables, and parents are learning better nutrition habits alongside their children,” she says.
Registered dietitian Annie Huber adds, “This partnership highlights the potential of tackling nutritional challenges with a focused approach. By investing in children’s early lives, we’re setting them on a path to healthier futures.”
This initiative reflects broader trends in nutrition—moving away from traditional food distribution methods to more specialized approaches that address the unique needs of families and children. As interest grows in using food as medicine, this innovative model could serve as a template for similar programs across the country.
For detailed insights on the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, check out this [CDC report](https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/resources-publications/about-fruits-vegetables.html) that emphasizes their importance in early development.
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