Healthy Food Access Grants
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 remains a serious issue 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.
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.
Proposals are being sought from interested and qualified Pennsylvania organizations that will provide food-is-medicine style programs to make healthy, nutritious foods available to low-income pregnant people to demonstrate the impact this has on their overall health, maternity outcomes, and infant outcomes.
Proposals for Healthy Food Access grants ranging between $15,000 - $100,000 per year for up to two years are currently being accepted.
Organizations that provide services and support to populations experiencing disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and/or morbidity as well as pregnant individuals and new families that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to apply.
Applications will be considered JHF will continue to consider applications under this RFP through September 30th, 2024 or until funding is fully expended. If you are interested in applying, please email Nutrition@jhf.org with the intent to be included on all communications regarding the current RFP.
Questions & Informational Sessions
An informational session was held on 8/29/23. Download the slides from this session here .