(Note: This is a guest blog post written by Taylor Ryan, Executive Director and Founder, Change Today, Change Tomorrow)
At Change Today, Change Tomorrow (CTCT), we believe that food is more than just sustenance; it’s a powerful tool for health and healing, especially in communities that have been systematically denied access to nutritious options. As we prepare to present at the 10th Annual Kentuckiana Health Collaborative Conference, we are excited to share how our grassroots approach to food justice is making a tangible impact in the fight against health disparities.
The Intersection of Food and Health
The theme of this year’s conference, “Aligning for Whole Person Health,” couldn’t be more relevant to the work we do at CTCT. Whole-person health acknowledges that wellness extends beyond traditional medical care—it’s influenced by social determinants like access to fresh food, economic stability, and educational opportunities. In underserved communities, where these determinants are often lacking, the results are predictable and devastating: higher rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
At CTCT, we’ve seen firsthand how food deserts and food apartheid contribute to these outcomes. Many of the families we serve struggle to find fresh, affordable produce, relying instead on processed foods that are high in sugar, fat, and sodium. This reality perpetuates a cycle of poor health, higher medical costs, and diminished quality of life. To break this cycle, we must reimagine food as medicine—a prescription for a healthier life.
CTCT’s Approach: Food as Medicine
Our “Food as Medicine” approach is rooted in the belief that access to nutritious food is a fundamental human right. Through various programs, we work to ensure that the communities we serve have consistent access to the fresh produce and whole foods that are essential for good health. One of our flagship initiatives, Feed the West, directly addresses food insecurity in Louisville’s West End by delivering fresh groceries to families in need.
In addition to food distribution, we emphasize education and activation. Our community gardens and food education programs teach residents how to grow their own food, understand nutrition labels, and cook healthy meals on a budget. By activating individuals with this knowledge, we’re helping them take control of their health in ways that extend beyond the doctor’s office.
Impact and Collaboration
Since launching these initiatives, we’ve seen remarkable changes in the communities we serve. Participants in our Fresh RX for Moms program, which provides expecting mothers with fresh produce, report feeling healthier and more energized during their pregnancies. Community members who once depended solely on corner stores for their groceries are now growing their own vegetables and sharing the harvest with their neighbors. These stories are a testament to the power of food as medicine.
However, the success of our programs wouldn’t be possible without collaboration. We’ve partnered with local healthcare providers, nonprofits, and businesses to expand our reach and impact. Our work demonstrates that when multiple sectors align their efforts, they can achieve far more together than they could alone. This collaborative spirit is at the heart of the Kentuckiana Health Collaborative’s mission, and we are proud to be part of this collective effort to build healthier communities.
A Call to Action
As we continue to explore new ways to integrate food into healthcare, we invite others to join us in this vital work. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a policy maker, or a community member, there are countless ways to support food justice initiatives that can transform health outcomes in underserved areas. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to the nutritious food they need to live a healthy, vibrant life.
Conclusion
In closing, I want to thank the Kentuckiana Health Collaborative for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Aligning for whole-person health requires us to think beyond the clinic and consider the broader social determinants of health, including food access. At CTCT, we’re committed to continuing this work, and we look forward to collaborating with others who share our vision.
For more information on how you can get involved, visit our website at change-today.org.
