In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a fresh approach to healthcare is taking root. Communities Unlimited (CU) is pioneering the 12-week Food Farmacy project, a groundbreaking initiative that combats food insecurity by delivering fresh, locally-grown produce to patients at Dr. Tochi Amagwula-Keeton’s Healthwise Wellness Clinic.
The Food Farmacy project, now in its second year, is part of a two-year initiative funded by the Arkansas Community Foundation, emphasizing the concept of food as medicine. CU Healthy Foods Coordinator Brenda Williams teams up with Dr. Keeton and local farmer Burthel Thomas to provide patients with nutritious produce and expert guidance on healthy eating.
“I’ve always practiced whole-person treatment, focusing on nutrition, mental health, and medication, the traditional model didn’t allow me enough time with patients,” said Keeton.
"When Brenda approached me about the Food Farmacy initiative, it was a perfect fit. We could provide patients with fresh produce and nutritional guidance, helping them incorporate healthy foods into their diets and improve their health.”
— Dr. Tochi Amagwula-Keeton, Owner Healthwise Wellness Clinic
At CU, Williams collaborates with small-scale, underserved growers, predominantly Black farmers, to enhance their farm capacity and open market opportunities. Through the Food Farmacy program, these farmers’ produce is purchased to supply fresh, nutritious food to families in Jefferson County.
Thomas, a proud owner of 275 acres in Jefferson County, is one of the farmers actively involved. This partnership allows Thomas and his fellow growers to access new market opportunities while enriching their community with healthy, fresh foods.
This initiative also strengthens community bonds, sparking curiosity and excitement among patients about the origins of their fresh, locally-sourced foods.
“Most of the patients fall into categories like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or have a family history of cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Keeton said. “The Food Farmacy project helps supply them with the nutritional guidance and the actual food to put that into action.”
Williams, passionate about the project, emphasized its potential to address underlying health conditions. “As a diabetic, I know the importance of eating right,” she said. “Many people want to eat healthy but lack access to affordable healthy produce.”
Arkansas, with the highest level of food insecurity in the United States according to the USDA, underscores the vital necessity for initiatives like the Food Farmacy.
“What I love about this is that it’s a market opportunity for the small-scale grower,” Williams said. “We work with growers who typically sell at farmers markets or roadside stands. These fresh produce boxes offer them a chance to scale up and enter the wholesale market.”
On July 17, 2024, Thomas made his first delivery to the Healthwise Wellness Clinic, bringing an array of fruits, vegetables, and fresh eggs from minority farmers across southeast Arkansas, including his renowned watermelons.
Thomas explained the benefits of the Food Farmacy in Jefferson County
“This program benefits both farmers and clients,” he said. “The produce is distributed to clinics, so everyone gains. Our elderly citizens only need to come and pick it up, and I’m there to help. It adds value for our farmers and supports our local economy.”
William’s enthusiasm for the project is palpable.
“It’s a win-win,” she said. “The doctors are excited, the growers are excited, and the patients share stories about how much they love the fresh, local produce. I get so excited each year about this initiative, and I hope we can secure additional funding to continue it next year.”
The project has profoundly impacted the community, with patients eagerly awaiting their weekly produce boxes. Dr. Keeton affirmed the initiative’s tremendous success.
“Brenda visited the practice, and her passion for this community was evident, she saw the need and created creative solutions that truly benefit everyone,” Keeton said. “She chose an excellent farmer in Burthel, who supplies the food. He takes the presentation and delivery very seriously. The parking lot is bustling before the truck even arrives. It has been wonderful working with Brenda and Burthel. Overall, it’s been a very positive experience.”
Dr. Keeton hopes this initiative inspires other healthcare providers to find creative ways to support their patients’ health.
“When Brenda came to me with the idea, I thought it was just about supplying produce, but I didn’t anticipate how excited people would be or how much impact it would have on the community.
"This is just the beginning. I hope it encourages other healthcare providers to collaborate with groups like Communities Unlimited. Programs like these offer the structure and support needed for better health outcomes."
— Dr. Tochi Amagwula-Keeton, Owner Healthwise Wellness Clinic
