INDIANAPOLIS — Heart patients don’t need one more thing on their plate. That’s why the Nutrition Hub at IU Health Methodist Hospital in downtown Indianapolis is so essential.
“Getting healthy food, it helps minimize those risks for heart disease and stroke,” said Meka Christian, the Community Impact Director for the American Heart Association. “A lot of times, people have the money they get for food, but it’s not for those healthy items. They can’t afford healthy food items.”
The Nutrition Hub exists as a partnership between IU Health, the American Heart Association, and Gleaner’s Food Bank. Patients who sign up can get up to 150 pounds of fresh food every week. That food can range from fresh fruits and veggies, to meat, to vitamins, and a few tastier items too.
“Yes, we’re promoting the healthy food, but we also have a ‘cheat’ section,” said Christian. “They can get something that’s … not as healthy, but just an incentive for them to have the extra stuff.”
Since the hub opened in early 2024, it’s handed out more than 25,000 pounds of food to patients like Tonya Gaines.