Boston, June 17, 2025 — About Fresh, a nonprofit focused on social innovation at the intersection of food and healthcare, announced a new partnership with Neighborhood Healthcare. This network of Federally Qualified Health Centers in Southern California will provide 300 diabetic and pre-diabetic patients with up to $120 per month for six months. The funds, delivered through the Fresh Connect platform, will help patients buy fresh produce. This effort highlights the growing awareness of nutrition’s role in managing chronic diseases.
Fresh Connect, developed by About Fresh, uses a prepaid card linked to a HIPAA-compliant platform. This system allows healthcare providers to fund nutritious food for patients and track the impact on their health. Patients can use the Fresh Connect card at more than 13,000 stores nationwide, including Walmart, Kroger, and Albertsons. The card automatically approves eligible healthy food items, offering a smooth and respectful shopping experience while encouraging better food choices.
The American Diabetes Association reports that 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes annually. Food insecurity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. People facing food insecurity often lack access to affordable, healthy food. This forces them to rely on processed and high-calorie foods, which can worsen or cause diabetes.
This initiative is funded by Kaiser Permanente through the East Bay Community Foundation and the California Community Foundation. It aims to address diet-related health disparities, improve overall health, and increase access to healthy food. The program’s goals include lowering A1c levels, reducing body mass index (BMI), decreasing blood pressure, and improving nutrition. It also seeks to enhance patient satisfaction with their healthcare.
Pam Schwartz, Executive Director for Community Health at Kaiser Permanente, said, “Good nutrition is essential for health. We are proud to support programs that fight food insecurity and chronic disease. Fresh Connect’s produce prescription program fits with our efforts to reduce hunger, improve nutrition, and prevent diet-related illnesses. We believe this program can make a lasting difference and serve as a model across the country.”
Dr. Edgar Bulloch, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Neighborhood Healthcare, added, “This Food Prescription pilot aims to help patients in our Healthy Star program meet their BMI and A1C goals by giving them access to fresh, healthy foods recommended by their doctors. We appreciate the support from Kaiser Permanente and Fresh Connect. Removing barriers and educating patients on how food affects their health will help them live happier, healthier lives.”
Josh Trautwein, CEO of About Fresh, emphasized, “This partnership offers patients more than just produce; it gives them a chance to take control of their health. About Fresh combines a convenient, dignified shopping experience with a tested model that can grow. By addressing the root causes of conditions like diabetes, we are moving toward a future where food is a key part of healthcare. This program is a step toward lasting, sustainable change in the communities we serve.”
Fresh Connect helps healthcare organizations cover fresh food costs for patients at their usual stores. It combines a prepaid debit card with a HIPAA-compliant management system. The platform empowers food-insecure patients to buy fresh, culturally relevant foods that support their health. With a Net Promoter Score over 80, Fresh Connect is a highly regarded program that has served tens of thousands of cardholders nationwide.
About Fresh, founded in 2013 and based in Boston, works to expand access to high-quality fresh food essential for health and culture. The nonprofit uses technology, food retail experience, and data advocacy to bring fresh, culturally meaningful food to those who need it most. Fresh Connect is their signature program, reflecting their mission to improve health through food.
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