Poverello’s Eat Well Center: Collaborating Toward Maximizing Health Among the Chronically Ill in South Florida

Poverello’s Eat Well Center is at the heart of our mission to “provide nutritious food, health services, and basic living essentials with the highest degree of understanding, respect, and love for individuals living with critical and chronic illnesses including HIV, in South Florida.” We operate four distinct programs to address food insecurity and promote health:

• Medically Tailored Grocery Program (MTG): As Florida’s only Food is Medicine Coalition MTG affiliate, we offer unparalleled choice and put health first. Clients select from 117 diverse food options – including 76 fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs – empowering them to make personalized choices that best suit their dietary needs and cultural preferences.
• Pop-Up Eat Well Program: We extend our reach into vulnerable communities throughout South Florida, deploying pop-up events in partnership with other non-profit organizations to combat food insecurity and ensure access to healthy choices.
• Accountable Nutrition Gift Card Program: This program provides flexibility and support to meet specific healthy food needs through grocery gift cards.
• Fuel Pack Healthy Nutrition Program: Addressing acute hunger, we offer healthy Fuel Packs to those who come to us in need, including individuals experiencing homelessness.

 Medically Tailored Grocery Program (MTG) helps South Floridians Eat Well

Our flagship MTG Program brings health-specific nutrition right to participants’ doorstep.

• Medically Tailored Groceries are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of people with specific health conditions (Diabetes, HIV, cancer, heart, or kidney disease), supporting health management, eliminating food insecurity, and improving quality of life.
• Eligibility includes anyone with a qualifying medical condition that impacts dietary needs who makes less than 400% of Federal Poverty Level.
• Intake is easy by downloading the physician certification and application. Have a physician complete the certification and the participant completes the application. Turn both to our intake specialist. The intake specialist enters the information into our medical record and generates a pin/username so the participant can order groceries online for pick up or delivery.

Medically Tailored Groceries Contain Enough Nutrition for One Week’s Worth of Meals

• Fresh Fruits, Nuts, Herbs, and Vegetables that each participant chooses.
• Whole Grains and Legumes that each participant chooses.
• Lean Proteins that each participant chooses.
• Special items based on medical requirements that each participant chooses.
• No wrong choices because grocery inventory is curated by nutritionists.
• Foods that cater to individualized health needs.
• Support for managing diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more.

Funders in 2023 included Elevance Foundation, The Jim Moran Foundation, Publix Supermarket’s Charities, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Broward County’s Community Partnerships Division, Campbell Foundation, Our Fund Foundation, Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation, Warten Foundation, Central New York Community Foundation, Winn Dixie, Network for Good, New Hampshire Foundation, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, KPMG, CCN Pharmacy, The UK Online Giving Foundation, Neiman Marcus Group Associate Giving Program, Wilton Metropolitan, CATF America, Amazon Smile, AMEX Online Giving, Starbucks Foundation, Cashbox Donations, Individual Donors like You!

Grants/Major Gifts received from: Ryan White Part A and EHE Broward County Community Partnerships, Clear Health Alliance, Broward Community and Family Health Centers, SMART Ride, Gilead, Bank of America Caring Friends, Estate of James J Fahy, Estate of Joel and Samuel Roskin, Door Dash, Feeding South Florida, United Way’s Project Lifeline

Impact Fiscal Year 3/2023-2/2024 for our Medically Tailored Grocery Program (MTG)

This year, we were honored serve 3,493 South Floridians dealing with chronic illnesses, eliminating food insecurity among participants. Through our programs, we provided 29,029 weeks of wholesome, nutrient rich Medically Tailored Groceries, directly contributing to improved health outcomes, food security, and a better quality of life. Within this program, we served 2,135 people in Broward who have HIV with 18,481 weeks’ worth of healthy, Medically Tailored Groceries. Our cost-effective approach means that for just $3.03 per day – less than a Café Americano at the local coffee shop – we provide essential nutrition for wellness.

Table 1 Food Costs and Estimated Cost Per Meal

Ryan White Part A Outcome Measures include Viral Suppression. When someone with HIV is virally suppressed, that means that HIV is not readily replicating in their system and it’s impossible to transmit HIV sexually. We say “Undetectable is Untransmittable.” For our program participants in Broward, our Viral Suppression rate was 92%, for our program participants in Palm Beach, 91.83%.

For those who have HIV, our programs helped people an average 8.65 times to achieve food security in 2023-2024 fiscal year. Viewed another way, in food cost it took $169.68  per person to achieve food security for 2,135 people with HIV in 2023.

DB: “You helped me with food and helped me a lot with my diet. I tell everyone that has Lupus they need to apply. You always treated me like a person. And that is special to me. Thank you.”

DT: “Thank you Poverello Eat Well Center!!! I was at my lowest point; but you rescued me. I was so ashamed, but you made me feel like a human… of WORTH and DIGNITY. I was so depressed beyond words could explain, but you showed me kindness and understanding with compassion! I was lost; but you helped to anchor me. Thank you Thank you Thank you. You DO NOT KNOW HOW life-changing your actions were! I need you to know that. To anyone needing help. PLEASE do not be afraid to reach out, they will help you. DON’T wait like me, until it was almost too late to believe. You are not alone. They will truly help!”

Pop Up Eat Well Center Events

Poverello’s Pop Up Eat Well Center is a community-based solution addressing food insecurity and its health consequences. Each Pop Up brings healthy food access and nutrition education directly to South Florida’s poorest and most underserved neighborhoods.

Pop Up Eat Well Center Core Elements

Education – Key in eating well for a lifetime is understanding what it means to eat healthy. This includes basic food preparation, storage, and handling practices. Nutritional counseling from our chef and registered dietitian/licensed nutritionist occurs through cooking classes, ingredient tastings and individual and group sessions at each event.

Foods – Enough healthy, nutritionist curated foods at each Pop Up for participants to make on average a week’s worth of healthy meals. Foods are from every food group, including fresh foods stored at room temperature, refrigerated, and frozen foods.

Choice – People who choose their foods from among healthy options are more likely to eat them, feel a sense of dignity and autonomy while becoming more invested in eating well over the course of their lifetimes. Each pop up offers 112 items from which to choose.

Quality – Foods are sourced from qualified and reputable purveyors, maintained under recommended conditions, and consist of a large variety of options that change over the course of the seasons. Fresh foods sourced close to the farm generally display ripe characteristics, appear more appetizing and taste best.

Medically Tailored – Poverello is the only Florida member of the Food is Medicine Coalition and has developed a system of medically tailoring groceries along with education appropriate for meal plans that consider chronic condition needs such as:

•      Heart Healthy
•      Kidney Friendly
•      Diabetes Friendly
•      General Healthy
•      Vegetarian Friendly

Data Driven –Pop Up Eat Well Center locations are selected by using government and community-based organization data including USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas data for food access, SNAP utilization and transportation/housing availability combined with HRSA’s Health Center Program data contained in the Uniform Data System (UDS) for disease burden issues, CDC’s Vulnerability Index, and partnering CBO’s relevant data.

Partnerships – The intervention works best when partnering with non-food providing Community Based Organizations who understand both the need represented and the individuals who can most likely benefit from the intervention. Issues that people in our poorest neighborhoods face are multifaceted, requiring solutions from various organizations to maximize impact.

This fiscal year this program served 212 families with 2032 weeks’ worth of healthy groceries to address their food insecurity. These families reside in areas with a score of .90 on CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index and rank high regarding poverty and poor healthy food access according to USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas.

Collaborating partners in 2023 included Compass Community Center, Optimal Health Choice, Belle Glade Pharmacy, Pridelines Youth Services, Survivors Pathway, Everglades Community Center, Simply Healthcare Community Center, MODCO, Broward Health, Broward Community Family Health Center, and the City of Lauderhill.

Accountable Nutrition Gift Card Program

We distributed 2,032 accountable nutrition gift cards of from $45-$75 each to 426 people with HIV in Palm Beach. In addition, we invested $45,000 from our revenues into this program this year. Gift cards normalize the food assistance experience, reduce stigma, and increase autonomy. We ask that participants provide us receipts from their purchases. Using newer purchasing technologies, we can review purchases to ensure people are using the cards for healthy foods and provide nutrition counseling if needed.

Collaborating partnerships in 2023 include Compass Community Center, AHF, and Midland. Funded by Ryan White Part A Palm Beach County Community Services

Fuel Pack Nutrition for the Hungry and Unhoused

Poverello turns no one away. This past year we have seen more people who are unhoused than at any other time in our history. That means that last fiscal year, 7,104 times we faced someone who was homeless and hungry, about 24 people per day. We used to provide only items that were donated, like a can of beets, or bread. Now, thanks to Broward Health partnership, we’re able to purchase healthy “Fuel Packs” of items selected by our nutritionist and informed by participant feedback like “soft fruits and vegetables” to accommodate dental problems and “pop tops” so that items like tuna, chicken are available without a can opener.

Collaborating partnerships this fiscal year included Broward Health and the IDEA Clinic.

Funded by Broward Health, United Way’s Project Lifeline, Feeding South Florida

We mourn the loss of Dr. Emmanuel Orelus

As we remember Dr. Emmanuel Orelus, it’s important to recognize the breadth of his dedication to health and well-being, not just within our community but also beyond. Dr. Orelus, an alumnus of the University of Florida and St. Matthews University School of Medicine, carried his passion for medicine from the classrooms of the Grand Cayman to the heart of Palm Beach County as a practicing physician and owner of Optimal Health Choice.

His ethos was simple yet profound: prioritize the patient’s health above all. This philosophy extended into his free time, where he found joy in gardening and family — but also in contemplation, always seeking ways to improve care and support for those in need.

Dr. Orelus’s compassion knew no borders. His volunteer work with Project Medishare took him back to his Haitian roots, where he delivered medical care to the underserved in Thomode and spearheaded HIV/AIDS education in Cap-Haitian. His response to the 2010 earthquake’s devastation in Port Au-Prince was nothing short of heroic, providing much-needed aid in a time of national tragedy.

Continuing his mission as a Health Educator at the Center for Haitian Studies Inc., Dr. Orelus took to the airwaves on Radio Mega to enlighten the public on critical health issues like Hypertension, Diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. His voice became synonymous with trusted medical advice and a beacon of hope for the Haitian community.

In every aspect, Dr. Orelus’s life was a testament to his unwavering commitment to service. At The Poverello Center, we witnessed firsthand his ability to transform empathy into action. His volunteer efforts were instrumental in the establishment of our EXTRA Care Clinic, and his work with our 340b pharmacy program has left an indelible mark, ensuring ongoing support for those grappling with financial and health challenges.

As we shared a simple meal with those we serve this week, it’s the spirit of Dr. Orelus that continues to inspire us. His legacy is etched not only in the countless lives he touched but also in the resilience and hope he instilled in our community. Dr. Orelus may no longer be with us, but his vision and compassion continue to guide our work at The Poverello Center.

Dr. Emmanuel Orelus, a beacon of medical excellence and humanitarian aid, will be profoundly missed. Yet, his impact will resonate for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for his life’s work and are committed to honoring his memory by continuing to serve with the same fervor and kindness he exemplified.

Cooking Classes Begin

Do you want to learn how to cook delicious and nutritious meals? Look no further! Our upcoming cooking classes are just what you need. Join us on November 21 for Mini Turkey Meatloaf, December 5 for Sweet Potato Gnocchi, and December 19 for Lentil Pilaf.

Don’t miss out – sign up now by contacting our nutritionist at poverello.org or call/text/fax at (954)361-3194. Limited spots available!

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Ronald P. Bourgeault Charitable Fund award Poverello Funds

Press-Release-New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Ronald P. Bourgeault Charitable Fund 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Brad Barnes
Live Well Center Manager
The Poverello Center, Inc. Direct number (954) 228-8984
bbarnes@poverello.org

The Poverello Center, Inc. receives grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Ronald P. Bourgeault Charitable Fund for general support.

The Poverello Center, Inc. recently received a $1,000 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. The grant will help further The Poverello Center, Inc.’s mission of providing nutritious food, health services, and basic living essentials with the highest degree of understanding, respect, and love for individuals living with critical and chronic illnesses including HIV, in South Florida by helping us pay an electrician and plumber to install a new water heater for showers.

The Poverello Center, Inc. offers showers, and provides hygiene packs to about 230 people each month. Without support like that provided by New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Ronald P. Bourgeault Charitable Fund, we wouldn’t be able to offer the simple support of a warm shower to the unhoused.

About The Poverello Center, Inc.
The Poverello Center, Inc. is an award winning organization that provides nutritious food, health services, and basic living essentials with the highest degree of understanding, respect, and love for individuals living with critical and chronic illnesses including HIV, in South Florida. As the only consumer choice medically tailored grocery program member of the National Food is Medicine Coalition in Florida, Poverello serves more than 3,000 individuals and families throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties with over 22,000 weeks’ worth of groceries per year. The organization feeds the poor when they’re sick.

About the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is New Hampshire’s statewide community foundation, founded in 1962 by and for the people of New Hampshire. We are the place where generosity meets the dedication and ingenuity of nonprofits and the potential of New Hampshire students. For six decades, thousands of people have entrusted their charitable resources to the Foundation, creating a perpetual source of philanthropic capital and making it possible for the Foundation to award more than $60 million in grants and scholarships every year. For more information, please visit www.nhcf.org or call 603-225-6641.

2021 Volunteers at Poverello Provide Amazing Benefits to Our Communities

For 2021, volunteers at the Poverello Center, Inc. provided $1,396,420 worth of labor. Their 48928.51 hours in 2021 reflected the work of 23.52 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) workers. The IRS considered an hour of volunteering as worth $28.54 in 2021.

“Volunteers in the United States are 63 million strong and hold up the foundation of civil society. They help their neighbors, serve their communities and provide their expertise. No matter what kind of volunteer work they do, they are contributing in invaluable ways.”

— Independent Sector

Thank you volunteers for your dedicated service to our important mission!

Rotary Social Samaritans Club Raises $1250 at Rosie’s Event

We’re so grateful to the Rotary Social Samaritans Club who coordinated with Rosie’s to hold a happy hour fundraiser benefitting Poverello. The event space was packed with several parties having to sit within other parts of the Bar. The club is also writing a grant to double the night’s donation and coordinate a Pop Up Eat Well Center event with the proceeds.

Ratatouille

Ingredients

1 (15oz) can diced tomato

1 medium eggplant (sliced)

2 medium zucchini (sliced)

4 tomatoes (sliced)

1 onion (chopped)

3 garlic cloves (minced)

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons thyme

2 tablespoons rosemary

Salt & Pepper

*Optional: Parmesan cheese to garnish

 

Directions: 

1. Pre-heat oven to 400F
2. Cook onion and 3/4 of garlic in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until tender.
3. Add diced tomatoes and seasoning, let simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
4. Cut vegetables to 1/8″ thickness.
5. Pour tomato sauce to baking dish. Arrange vegetables on top of sauce by standing them up on their sides.
6. Create mixture with remaining olive oil, garlic and seasoning. Brush evenly on top of vegetables.
7. Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake additional 10 minutes.
8. Optional: add parmesan cheese to garnish.
9. Enjoy!

Events & Happenings

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