Jonathan Pauling’s Post

🍏 If an apple a day can keep the doctor away, imagine what eating 30 different types of plants a week could do—it could transform your health for life! 🥝🍉🍌🥕🍋🌶️ A diet rich in plants is proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. It’s time to focus on what really matters for our health, and plants are the answer! Reposting from @AlexandraRoseCharity, who launched the UK’s first ‘Fruit & Veg on Prescription’ pilot in November 2022, working with GPs and social prescribers in Tower Hamlets and Lambeth. Almost 200 people facing food poverty and health issues have received vouchers for fresh produce—and the results are incredible: 🍏 80% of participants now eating 5-a-day 💪 9 in 10 report improved health and wellbeing ❤️ 7 in 10 have reduced blood pressure 🩺 40% reduction in GP visits 💸 £222k invested in local communities These results prove that providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables not only improves health but boosts community pride and revitalizes local economies. 💰 💰 Now, we’re calling on the Government to fast-track their three-year ‘Community Eatwell’ Programme to make plant-based foods accessible to all, as promised in the 2022 Levelling Up White Paper. 🌍🌱 💡 The future of health is plant-based. Let’s grow a healthier, more vibrant UK! 🌿🥦 #PlantPower #EatWell #HealthyCommunities #SustainableHealth #FruitAndVeg #FoodSecurity #HealthForAll #LevelUp

"We have data from the Food, Farming & Countryside Commission that people support food regulation. The old accusations of the nanny state are fading into the background… it’s becoming increasingly clear people feel predated on by this industry.” Great to hear Chris van Tulleken draw on findings from #TheFoodConversation on BBC Radio 4 this morning, in response to the new report by the UK House of Lords Food, Diet & Obesity Committee. Listen from 01.36.00 👉 https://lnkd.in/ejKHa6hR In the report, out today, it was also great to see the evidence we submitted earlier this year cited a number of times. In particular, the evidence we have from #TheFoodConversation that many citizens across the UK support “polluter pays” policies, controls on ultra-processed food and stronger regulation to hold businesses to account. Next month, we’re bringing citizens together with change-makers at the Citizens Food Summit, to discuss the innovative, radical and practical opportunities for change. Andrew Gwynne MP Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP Read the report's recommendations in full 👉 https://lnkd.in/ej-mR-ia Latest findings from findings from #TheFoodConversation: https://lnkd.in/e5TZqVbz

"You have to choose between feeding your family or keeping the lights on." Unfortunately, millions of Americans have to make difficult choices like this every day. Food insecurity and food deserts are not a localized problem. Individuals across the nation face similar problems and crave solutions for better access healthy food. Our Feed by FarmboxRx initiative is changing the narrative on food accessibility and breaks down the barriers to food insecurity. From improved health, and increased self-value, to better health outcomes – food has the power to change lives. Watch our latest testimonial to hear from a recipient of the program and learn how food as engagement programs can positively impact your members. #feedbyfarmboxrx #foodinsecurity #foodaccessibility #changinglives #testimonial

📢 Consultation Submission: A Healthier Food Environment for Wales We are excited to share Professor Christina Vogel and her team submitted consultation response to the Welsh Government’s proposal to make the food environment healthier. This submission addresses proposed regulations on food promotion and placement, emphasizing the importance of updating nutrient profiling and enhancing clarity for enforcement. 🔍 Key Recommendations: -Expanding placement restrictions to prevent promotion loopholes. -Updating the nutrient profiling model to better classify foods. -Providing additional support for smaller businesses to comply effectively. Creating a healthier food environment is crucial to improving public health outcomes. Find out more about our recommendations here: https://buff.ly/3YKDJuM #FoodPolicy #PublicHealth #HealthyEating #Regulation

According to the most recent report from the USDA, nearly 13% of American households experienced food insecurity in 2022. This means that many individuals and families are not receiving the proper nutrition they need. To combat this ongoing issue, Aetna, a CVS Health Company is partnering with local organizations to increase access to nutritious food in the communities we serve. Aetna Better Health of Texas teamed up with the Episcopal Health Foundation to address complex social issues that often lead to food insecurity. By using a solution discovery approach, we're helping Texas communities identify, understand and share existing strategies to combat food insecurity. Read more from my colleague Angie Hochhalter, Director of Community and Population Health at Aetna Better Health of Texas: https://bit.ly/4dchUcI  

Addressing unhealthy food environments and preventing overweight and obesity in the SADC Region: capacity building workshop underway! With over 20 million children in SADC affected by overweight, urgent action is needed to transform unhealthy food environments. This week, the SADC Secretariat, in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organization, launched a capacity-building workshop for high-level decision-makers from 8 countries. The focus is on implementing WHO’s evidence-based policies, including front-of-package labeling, marketing restrictions, fiscal policies, improved school food standards, and food reformulation. Together, we’re building a healthier future by addressing the root causes of obesogenic environments and promoting sustainable, nutritious diets across the region. Raymond Chikomba, Christiane Rudert, Claire Johnson, Laetitia OUEDRAOGO, Katrin Engelhardt, Kate Robertson, Jane Badham

We know food insecurity impacts a person’s health. We also know it is sometimes challenging to navigate nutrition resource programs. That’s where Mang Vang, M Health Fairview’s food resource navigator, comes in.  Vang helps patients who get care at our East Metro clinics and are facing food insecurity find essential food resources through our partnerships with trusted, local community organizations. “There are a lot of resources available for those who face these challenges,” Vang said. “We should not feel bad if we need to turn to some of these resources.” A fresh food prescription program, a food voucher program, and East Side Table all work to provide those in need healthy, nutritious food at low-to-no cost. Vang’s role is the first-of-its-kind for our health system and is a part of our larger mission to address the social determinants of health throughout our communities. Learn how  she’s making a difference: https://bit.ly/3yXT00B   #HealthEquity | #CommunityHealth | #Healthcare 

In underserved communities, access to fresh, nutritious food is often limited. In our latest blog, we dive deep into the issue of food deserts and how innovative solutions, like local food rescue and partnerships, are transforming these areas into thriving hubs of health and vitality! 👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/4dd1G1K

During this season of THANKS, I am proud to share more about the #FoodAsMedicine partnership between Feeding America and Elevance Health Foundation. This program supports – and brings together – 21 food banks to advance healthcare partnership interventions.  By linking food assistance with medical support, access to nutritious food is improved and health and well-being can be enhanced for people experiencing food insecurity.  Program Impact by the Numbers (as of 6/30/24):  🔍 Comprehensive Screenings: Over 529,000 individuals have been screened for food insecurity during healthcare visits.   🤝 Supportive Referrals: Nearly 90,000 people who tested positive for food insecurity were referred to Food as Medicine programming, and 15,000 were referred to SNAP.   🍎 Nutritious Food Assistance: Over 76,000 individuals have received wholesome food assistance, prioritizing low-sodium, whole grains, and fresh produce options to support health.   🏥 Healthcare Partnerships: 21 food banks work with local clinics and medical centers to reach those in need, integrating food assistance with critical healthcare services.   📈 Positive Outcomes: Programs like The Food Farmacy at Regional Food Bank of Northeast NY, in partnership with St. Peter's Health Partners, witnessed significant health improvements among participants, including stabilized A1C levels and improved weight management.  Check out + share this BRAND-NEW Food as Medicine site with food and nutrition content & resources. 💚 #FoodAsMedicine #FeedingAmerica #HealthEquity   🔗 https://lnkd.in/ekPyAWGV Kofi Essel, MD, MPH, FAAP Lance Chrisman Leah Birk Vanessa Stepanek Danielle Shaw 👏 🍽

Important event and topics discussed, how eating a balanced diet from the earliest age, full of Vegetables, Salads and Fruit! can take some of the pressure of the NHS long term.