Feast Down East receives grant to expand Food Is Medicine efforts in southeastern North Carolina

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Feast Down East has received new funding from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation to expand local efforts connecting healthy food access with improved health outcomes across southeastern North Carolina.

The grant is part of the Blue Cross NC Foundation’s $4 million statewide investment supporting organizations that integrate food into health care through Food Is Medicine initiatives. The funding will help Feast Down East strengthen and expand its Food Rx program, which has partnered with Novant Health since 2023.

The program works with medical providers to fulfill food prescriptions for individuals identified as food insecure, providing fresh produce and healthy foods sourced from local and traditionally disadvantaged farmers.

“Access to healthy food is foundational to good health,” said Colleen Briggs, who also serves as Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Blue Cross NC. “By investing in community-led Food Is Medicine programs like Feast Down East, we’re supporting proven strategies that help people manage chronic conditions, strengthen local food systems, and lower health care costs.”

Through its mobile farmers markets, Feast Down East distributes healthy local food at public housing communities, after-school programs, senior centers, community centers, and community-based healthcare locations throughout the region.

According to Feast Down East leaders, the program focuses on improving access to nutritious food while also supporting local farmers and strengthening the regional food system.

“Our approach to Food is Medicine focuses on providing access to healthy, locally grown foods to those who are food insecure,” said Susannah Spratt. “We believe that strengthening and connecting the food system is one of the best ways to build and strengthen communities.”

Food Is Medicine programs aim to address diet-related chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension through partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations. Programs supported through the initiative include produce prescriptions, nutrition education, medically tailored groceries, and prepared meal services designed to meet community-specific needs.

More information about Feast Down East’s programs is available at Feast Down East. Information about statewide Food Is Medicine initiatives can be found through NC Food Is Medicine Coalition.