Public Health in the Rockies 2026

Diet-related chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States. Food is Medicine (FIM) interventions have emerged as a crucial component of state and federal strategies to address the root causes of chronic disease and the complications of severe and complex conditions, as well as rising healthcare costs and other multifaceted priorities. FIM interventions encompass a spectrum of nutrition services, including medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, and produce prescriptions, which are tailored to patient needs and integrated into the healthcare system through referrals from medical providers.

Founded in Denver, Project Angel Heart has been preparing and delivering medically tailored meals to Coloradans living with severe illnesses for over 30 years. As part of our FY2021-FY2025 Strategic Plan, the organization undertook an ambitious geographic expansion, tripling our service area to encompass 17 counties and over 85% of Colorado’s population. This session will reflect on the strategies and tactics that led to the success of the geographic expansion, and share lessons learned during its implementation.