Instacart and Meharry Medical College Webinar: Advancing Nutrition Security Through Community Partners and Innovative Models

Last week, Instacart and Meharry Medical College, one of the nation’s oldest and largest historically Black medical colleges and academic health centers, hosted a joint webinar titled: New Research on Food Access and Nutrition Security – Advancing Nutrition Security Through Community Partners and Innovative Models.

The event brought together experts to explore new research featured in the Instacart sponsored November 2024 Journal of Health Care for the Poor & Underserved Supplement Issue (JHCPU). This issue focused on topics like food access, nutrition security, and health outcomes while highlighting the unique barriers faced by marginalized communities, Black and Hispanic households, urban and rural communities, and families living with low incomes.

Attendees of the webinar had the opportunity to participate in a dynamic discussion and Q&A session led by key contributors to the JHCPU issue. Featured panelists included:

• Co-Moderator: Beatrice Abiero, PhD (Instacart)
• Co-Moderator: Virginia Brennan, PhD, MA (Meharry Medical College, Editor of the Journal of Health Care for the Poor & Underserved )
• Jenny Jia, MD, MS (Northwestern University)
• Aditi Vasan, MD, MSHP (University of Pennsylvania)
• Kaitlyn Harper, PhD, MS, MA (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health)
• Don McClain (Morgan State University)

The discussion centered around innovative strategies to address nutrition security, community-driven solutions, and actionable ways to reduce inequities in food access.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

Effective Food Security Strategies

Panelists showcased innovative approaches and successful case studies aimed at understanding individual experiences and addressing nutrition security across various populations. From gathering feedback and preferences on charitable food among families experiencing nutrition security to clinic-based patient food pantries and youth-led initiatives, the speakers illustrated how tailored interventions and centering individual needs could provide immediate relief while addressing long-term nutrition needs. These strategies highlighted the importance of community-driven solutions that empower individuals and families to make healthier choices.

The Power of Community Partnerships

A key aspect of the discussion was the role of collaboration between healthcare providers, food security programs, and community organizations. Panelists shared best practices for forming strong partnerships, including ways to enhance the reach and effectiveness of food access initiatives and reduce barriers to participation. 

Inspiring Action and Collaboration

Attendees were encouraged to adapt and replicate models discussed during the session in their own communities. Panelists emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to advance food security initiatives. 

Check out the webinar recording below: