South Raleigh News

Access to nutritious food remains a challenge for many residents of Wake County, especially those living with chronic illnesses. Nourishing Wake, a new initiative launched in partnership with NourishedRx, aims to address this by offering free, twice-monthly deliveries of fresh and locally sourced food to over 1,000 vulnerable households.

"Access to healthy food is not just a matter of choice, it’s a necessity for those managing chronic conditions," stated Vickie Adamson from the Wake County Board of Commissioners. "Through Nourishing Wake, we’re ensuring that more residents can get the fresh, nutritious food they need to lead healthier lives."

The initiative aligns with the 2023 Wake County Food Security Plan. It uses a food-as-medicine strategy, focusing on improving health outcomes for conditions like diabetes and heart disease, while promoting North Carolina's local food system.

Participants in the program are referred through federally qualified health clinics, which help ensure the food reaches those who need it the most. Local healthcare providers play a vital role in identifying patients who would benefit from enhanced nutrition and connecting them to the program.

"An estimated 11.6% of Americans are diabetic and research clearly shows that nutrition plays a critical role in managing the disease," said Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health. "Through Nourishing Wake, Advance Community Health is proud to connect patients with fresh, locally grown food—supporting both their physical health and overall well-being."

The produce and protein sourced through Nourishing Wake are provided by Farmer Foodshare, a Durham-based nonprofit. This ensures that the meals are both nutritious and culturally relevant while offering support to small farms.

Lauren Driscoll, Founder and CEO of NourishedRx, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, "At NourishedRx, we believe that access to nutritious food is fundamental to good health. Through Nourishing Wake, we’re breaking down barriers by delivering fresh, locally sourced food directly to residents—helping create a more resilient and equitable food system."

Nourishing Wake is part of Wake County’s broader initiatives to combat food insecurity and health disparities. By incorporating food security into public health strategies, the program empowers residents to make healthier choices and bolsters the local economy.