Sutter Tracy Community Hospital – Mobile Fresh

What is it?

The Mobile Fresh program provides low-income, at-risk individuals, seniors, and children a supplemental resource of fresh fruits and vegetables and assorted products coupled with nutrition information to increase access, consumption, and nutrition knowledge. Program participants receive 15 to 20 pounds of fresh produce and assorted food items twice a month at designated sites throughout San Joaquin County.

Who is it for?

Low-income households with food insecurities and barriers to accessing healthy, fresh foods.

Why do they do it?

San Joaquin County has high rates of diabetes mortality, and a sharp increase of type 2 diabetes. Access and consumption of nutrient rich produce is a vital component to moving the needle on this critical health issue. Mobile Fresh helps break the barriers that some poverty stricken areas face, such as transportation issues, limited budgets, and lack of local grocery stores that sell healthy food options. The program provides direct access and encourages small changes in eating habits to make a larger health impact over time.

Impact

In 2015, Mobile Fresh provided 314,725 fresh produce with an additional 131,434 assorted product to 1,744 enrolled households. The clients served were: 2% homeless, 1% veterans, 8% female head of household, 7% Disabled, 68% Hispanic, and 32% Non-Hispanic, 7% Asian, 2% American Indian/Alaska Native, 1% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 6% African American, 83% white, and 1% other/multi-cultural. The largest age groups represented were 42% ages 18-54 and 31% ages 0-12. Surveyed client responses include, 100% increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables. 99% of participants have increased their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. 97% of participants’ knowledge of healthy eating has improved.

Contact: Debbie Rinaldo
Community Benefit Coordinator
Telephone: 209-832-6511
Email: rinaldd@sutterhealth.org