Nourishing Wake sources from local farmers to meet dietary needs
[Joint news release with NC Cooperative Extension and NourishedRx]
Access to nutritious food is essential for good health, but for many Wake County residents living with chronic illnesses, fresh produce and protein are often out of reach. Nourishing Wake, a new program launched by Wake County in partnership with NourishedRx, is changing that by providing free, twice-monthly deliveries of fresh, locally sourced food to more than 1,000 vulnerable households.
“Access to healthy food is not just a matter of choice, it’s a necessity for those managing chronic conditions,” said Vickie Adamson with the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “Through Nourishing Wake, we’re ensuring that more residents can get the fresh, nutritious food they need to lead healthier lives.”
As part of the 2023 Wake County Food Security Plan, this initiative takes a “food-as-medicine approach,” helping residents manage conditions like diabetes and heart disease while strengthening North Carolina’s local food system.
Eligible participants are referred to Nourishing Wake through federally qualified health clinics, ensuring that food reaches those who need it most. Local healthcare providers identify patients who would benefit from improved nutrition and connect them with the program.
“An estimated 11.6% of Americans are diabetic and research clearly shows that nutrition plays a critical role in managing the disease,” said Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health. “Through Nourishing Wake, Advance Community Health is proud to connect patients with fresh, locally grown food—supporting both their physical health and overall well-being.”
The fresh produce and protein provided through Nourishing Wake come from Farmer Foodshare, a Durham-based nonprofit that connects farmers with communities facing food insecurity. By sourcing food locally, the program ensures that meals are both nutritious and culturally relevant, while also supporting small farms.
Through its “Food is Health” model, NourishedRx oversees enrollment, engagement and coordination for Nourishing Wake.
“At NourishedRx, we believe that access to nutritious food is fundamental to good health,” said Lauren Driscoll, Founder and CEO of NourishedRx. “Through Nourishing Wake, we’re breaking down barriers by delivering fresh, locally sourced food directly to residents—helping create a more resilient and equitable food system.”
Nourishing Wake is a key initiative in Wake County’s broader efforts to address food insecurity and health disparities. By integrating food security into public health, the program empowers residents to make healthier choices while strengthening the local economy.
