Bridging healthcare and food access
Food as Medicine Program
We are excited to share that MKHC has launched a Food as Medicine program that provides food-insecure patients, particularly those managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, with weekly access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from Community FarmShare. In addition to providing healthy food, this program offers hands-on nutrition education tailored to patients' health needs, helping them build knowledge and develop healthy habits that can be passed on to future generations, potentially reducing the risk of chronic disease over time.
For many of our patients, managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension is compounded by limited access to affordable, healthy food. This program bridges that gap by integrating clinical care with direct food access and nutrition education. By addressing both food insecurity and diet-related disease, this program will improve health outcomes for uninsured residents while strengthening our local food system.
We are proud to partner with Community FarmShare and the Office of Food Systems Resilience to bring this program to life.
Current program participants were selected from existing patients. No new participants are being accepted at this time.
Why it matters
The Power of Food as Medicine
Access to Fresh, Healthy Food
Participants receive weekly access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from Community Farmshare, making nutritious food more accessible and affordable.
Better Chronic Disease Management
Healthy foods support patients managing conditions like diabetes and hypertension, helping improve overall health and reduce disease-related complications.
Personalized Nutrition Education
Participants engage in hands-on nutrition education tailored to their specific health needs, building practical skills for healthier eating habits.
Long-Term Healthy Habits
The program empowers individuals with the knowledge and confidence to make lasting lifestyle changes that support lifelong wellness.
Bridging Healthcare & Food Access
By combining clinical care, nutrition education, and direct food support, the program addresses both food insecurity and health challenges together.
Stronger Communities & Local Food Systems
Partnerships with Community Farmshare and the Office of Food Systems Resilience strengthen the local food economy while improving health outcomes for uninsured residents.
food as medicine in action
Project Team
Carmen Lezama, MBA
MKHC Managing director
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Esnire Obhrai, RN, DCES
Nutrition Educator
Esnire Obhrai, RN, DCES, is a Registered Nurse and certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families successfully manage diabetes and other chronic health conditions. As a native Spanish speaker, Esnire is committed to delivering culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate health education that empowers diverse communities to improve their health and quality of life.
In her role as Nutrition Educator for the Food as Medicine Program, she leads nutrition education classes and provides one-on-one support to participants living with diet-related chronic conditions, including diabetes and hypertension. She adapts evidence-based curricula to meet participants' cultural, linguistic, and health needs, while incorporating practical skills such as meal planning, label reading, food preparation, and the use of seasonal produce. Her passion for therapeutic nutrition and community health education allows her to help individuals translate nutrition knowledge into sustainable, everyday habits that improve long-term health outcomes.
Our Partners
Community FarmShare
Community FarmShare is building a thriving, equitable, connected food system that produces food, health and well-being for people who have the least access to healthy food options, while renewing and protecting the planet by supporting local small-scale produce farmers.
Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience
The Office of Food Systems Resilience in Montgomery County aims to create a sustainable, equitable food system by developing strategies to enhance community resilience, improve access to nutritious food, and coordinate local efforts against food insecurity.
Community Reach of Montgomery County
Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic
Nuestros servicios
Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic (MKHC)
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