Overview
The Healthy Food Systems team provides expertise, guidance, and hands-on training to organizations and schools striving to offer nutritious foods and healthy eating habits. Through multiple programs, the team works to ensure that everyone has access to healthy food.
Proven Success
41% of Arkansas adults have high blood pressure, putting them at risk for diabetes. Our team has worked with numerous schools and congregate meal programs to provide better access to healthy foods that can prevent diabetes. We increased healthy products purchased by partnering food banks by 32%, and reduced sodium in community meal programs by 19%. Together, with our partners and community, we are creating a better state of health for all.
National Reach
Our Healthy Foods team’s work has been recognized and supported through partnerships across the United States, including agencies in Reno, Nevada; Columbus, Ohio; Brooklyn/Queens, New York; Florida; and Puerto Rico.
Educational Resources
“UAMS has provided educational resources for our students, parents and kitchen employees … the UAMS team constantly looks for ways to assist our program in growth, whether it’s connecting us with resources, developing educational materials, or [prior to the COVID-19 pandemic] visiting our kitchens to find ways where we can improve.”
– Melissa Ralston, Bentonville Aramark Child Nutrition Dietitian
Healthy Food Systems Programs
CHEFS (Creating Healthy Environments for Schools)
The CHEFS Program empowers local schools to implement impactful nutrition changes to their food service programs so they can offer healthier foods to students.
CHEFS
Community of Practice
Along with partner organizations and community members, we have launched a community of practice to address food insecurity in northwest Arkansas.
Community of Practice
Delivering Health
Our team works to reduce Type 2 diabetes among food insecure families through specialized food delivery and education.
Delivering Health
Double Your Dollars
The Northwest Arkansas Farmers’ Market Alliance “Double Your Dollars” match Program is available to SNAP and FMNP participants in northwest Arkansas. Learn more here.
Double Your Dollars
VISTA
As part of the Healthy Food Systems Team, VISTA builds capacity in nonprofit organizations and communities to help bring individuals and communities out of poverty.
UAMS | VISTAAdditional Information
Resources
Resources are available in multiple languages and can be used in classrooms, food pantries, at home, and more.
Healthy Food Systems Resources
Healthy Food Systems Team
The Healthy Food Systems team works with schools and community to ensure that everyone has access to healthy food.
Meet Our Team