The Mid-South Health Market is an innovative approach to address the food insecurity, lack of fresh food options, and high incidences of preventable ailments (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, obesity) in the greater Bronzeville community.
Organized by KOCO’s Bronzeville Anti-hunger Network (BAN), the Mid-South Health Market provides fresh produce, diet and nutrition information, and health screenings for more than 100 people on a monthly basis. The enhances residents’ health and wellness education, enabling them to make healthier food and lifestyle choices.
The program incorporates various elements into a cohesive 2-hour event. Participants hear presentations from medical professionals and nutritionists on:
• Overall lifestyle considerations, including abstinence from drugs and smoking;
• Healthy diets, portion size, and food preparation suggestions;
• Importance of exercise; and
• Relationship between the aforementioned items and preventable medical conditions; e.g. diabetes, hypertension, obesity
The Mid-South Health Market is designed to provide residents with the opportunity to improve the quality of their lives. Overall, participants have told the program coordinator they’ve lost weight, changed their diets, and generally feel healthier.
