NEW YORK -UNS: “The Lifestyle Medicine Program helps make dietary changes as easy as possible for patients to build a strong foundation for their health,” said Mayor’s Office of Food Polic Executive Director Kate MacKenzie. “Fresh, seasonal produce delivered to New Yorkers helps overcome barriers to healthy food access. Alongside dietitians’ guidance, delicious recipes, and cooking videos, these boxes support healthy cooking and eating across diverse cultural traditions. When we can help people change their diets, we can help them change their futures.”
“Our milestone of over 10,000 group visits positions us among the largest lifestyle medicine programs in the nation. We’re especially proud to be doing this work within the safety-net healthcare system of NYC Health + Hospitals, making our services accessible regardless of ability to pay,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Executive Director of Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Michelle McMacken, MD, FACP, DipABLM. “Our interdisciplinary teams not only support patients in making evidence-based lifestyle changes, but also help address key barriers such as food insecurity to improve health for individuals living with chronic disease.”
“We’ve delivered thousands of boxes filled with fresh seasonal produce through this impactful program,” said Felix Dechant, Chief Operating Officer of Farm to People. “Each delivery is more than just a food box: it’s thoughtfully sourced by our procurement team, packed with care in our warehouse, and delivered the same day by our fleet of drivers. We’re thrilled to see the positive impact on patients’ lives. We look forward to continuing to serve more New Yorkers while building a shorter, stronger, and more resilient food supply chain.”
“My produce box is like someone plucked it from the garden,” said Lifestyle Medicine Program patient Delois Locus. “I have type 2 diabetes. Being able to apply the everything that I’ve learned through the Lifestyle Medicine Program has changed my numbers and changed my perspective.”
The Lifestyle Medicine Program at NYC Health + Hospitals is a several-month program to support patients in making evidence-based lifestyle changes, including a healthful plant-based diet, increased physical activity, improved sleep habits, stress management, avoidance of substance use, and stronger social connections. Adults living with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or health concerns related to excess weight are eligible to enroll. The program is available at seven sites and can serve thousands of patients each year. The care team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, a certified nurse midwife (Woodhull location), registered dietitians, health coaches, program coordinators, community health workers, and a fitness instructor, and some of the sites also offer a psychologist.
