In May, the American Heart Association partnered with the Montgomery County Food Bank to launch Healthy Hearts Montgomery County, funded by Black Pearl Technology, to combat local nutrition security needs, Community Impact Newspaper previously reported.
According to the AHA, communities with consistent access to fresh produce are more likely to be at a lower risk of developing heart disease. However, many families in east Montgomery County lack regular access to the foods needed for a healthy life, according to the July 13 release from the AHA.
Part of the Healthy Heart Montgomery County initiative is to provide a monthly market at Milam Elementary available to residents in the county. Here, attendees can receive pantry staples, nutrient-dense foods and recipes to maximize the nutritional value of their foods, according to the release.
“We want to ensure that people not only have enough to eat, but that they’re eating the right kinds of foods that lead to better health outcomes—fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and limiting sodium and added sugars,” said Kellie Armstrong, vice president of development for the AHA Gulf Coast, in the release.
This month's market will be evolved to be a “one-stop-shop”, according to the release. The event is open to the community. Health information will be provided by Montgomery County Public Health District, Montgomery County Hospital District, and Lone Star Family Health. These organizations can also assist in student immunization information and enrollment guidance for the county’s Health Care Assistance Program.
As back-to-school season is in the height of hurricane season, attendees can receive emergency preparedness resources from the MCPHD and Medical Reserve Corps, too.
“Many food-insecure families also face barriers to quality health care, and navigating all the student health requirements before school starts can be daunting,” said Misti Jeter, Black Pearl Technology president and member of the AHA Gulf Coast board of directors, in the release. “We want to help reduce barriers to access, such as time, transportation, by bringing resources all to one location.”
