Proposals Sought for Grants to Improve Food Access for Low-Income Pregnant People in Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH, PA – Proposals are being sought from interested and qualified Pennsylvania organizations for projects between $15,000 - $100,000 per year for up to two years providing food-is-medicine style programs to make healthy, nutritious foods available to low-income pregnant people and demonstrating the impact of diet on their overall health, maternity outcomes, and infant outcomes.

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) is operating as the fiscal agent for federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to address maternal health needs. A total of $2.25 million is available to provide short-term healthy food access grants that directly impact low-income pregnant individuals and new families in Pennsylvania.

A nationwide survey completed by Michigan State University stated that 31 percent of people report that the pandemic has affected their ability to feed their family. Several risk factors of maternal mortality, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, rely on a healthy diet; however, accessing healthy food can be a real challenge for low-income pregnant individuals.

Maternal mortality and morbidity remain serious issues in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. experienced a maternal mortality rate of 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021, the highest of any developed country. Rates of maternal mortality and morbidity continue to rise, particularly among non-Hispanic Black populations.

Grants may include but are not limited to programs and activities that: directly provide healthy foods or food prescription boxes to the targeted populations; pair cooking classes or nutritional education with the provision of healthy foods; support super food pantries, food banks, and other similar operations; or otherwise expand access to healthy foods for low-income pregnant people and new families in Pennsylvania.

Interested organizations are encouraged to review the Request for Proposals (RFP) to learn more about eligibility and how to apply at www.jhf.org/Nutrition. Awards are intended to be made for projects between $15,000 - $100,000 per year for up to two years. A review committee comprised of subject matter experts from across Pennsylvania will be convened to make all funding decisions, including a diverse mixture of food access advocates and experts, representatives for all regions of Pennsylvania, as well those with grant making experience.

Proposals will be accepted beginning September 15^th, 2023. Awards will be made on a rolling basis through September 30, 2024 or until funding has been fully expended.

###

About the Jewish Healthcare Foundation

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) and its three operating arms — the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative (PRHI), Health Careers Futures (HCF), and the Women's Health Activist Movement Global (WHAMglobal) — offer a unique brand of activist philanthropy to advance healthcare innovation, advocacy, collaboration, and education in the interest of better population health. For more information, visit jhf.org.