Fresh, healthy food is a cornerstone of good health. But for many Minnesotans, getting fresh, nutrient-rich food can be challenging. To address food insecurity and improve local access to healthy, culturally appropriate food, Fairview Health Services has launched Fair Table, a new initiative designed to advance food equity and reduce diet-related health disparities.
Fair Table builds upon Fairview’s long-established efforts to address the social determinants of health by creating a just and equitable food system where every community member has access to nutritious food.
“Access to healthy food is a significant factor in how we care for our patients and the community,” said Terese Hill, manager of community advancement food is medicine strategy for Fairview. “By connecting with patients outside of our hospital and clinic walls and providing resources like reliable food access, we can help prevent illness and close the health equity gap in our communities.”
Fair Table initiatives
Fair Table provides food and resources to patients and community members experiencing food insecurity through appointment visits, community events, partnerships, and more – at no cost to the patient. Programs include:
- Fresh food prescriptions: Offers culturally relevant produce, proteins, and pantry staples with food skills and education materials.
- Food vouchers: Monthly vouchers for use at metro-area food retail locations.
- Shelf-stable food bags: Immediate assistance for patients facing acute food needs.
- Food resource packets: Contains informational resources, grocery gift cards, and healthy recipes.
To ensure patients and community members can fully benefit, Fairview employs food resource navigators at select clinics who connect individuals with Fair Table programs and community resources. Results show that 97 percent of patients working with a navigator complete a follow-up appointment, and 77 percent report increased confidence in having enough food to feed themselves and their families for the month.
Impact by the numbers
In 2024 alone, Fairview’s food equity programs made a tangible difference:
- Delivered 168,221 meals to food insecure patients.
- Maintained 41 contracts with BIPOC farmers to supply produce and protein for food programs.
- Packaged 2.5 million pounds of food at the Fairview Community Health and Wellness Hub.
By 2025, Fair Table aims to support at least 10,000 patients and community members.
Addressing a critical need
Food insecurity affects 1 in 11 Minnesotans—approximately 537,890 people—according to Feeding America. Barriers like cost, transportation, and a lack of cooking skills disproportionately impact racially and culturally diverse communities.
“As an anchor institution, we are committed to meeting the needs of our community and improving healthcare access for all,” said Diane Tran, system executive director of community health equity and engagement for Fairview. “Through innovative partnerships and upstream solutions, Fair Table is a vital part of our mission to reduce health disparities and enhance the wellbeing of our communities.”
Strengthening community partnerships
Fair Table extends its impact through collaborations with trusted community organizations, including East Side Table, a collaborative between Fairview and community partners located on St. Paul’s East Side. Other food equity partners include the Metro Food Justice Network, Second Harvest Heartland, Hmong American Farmer’s Association, Good Acre, Urban Roots, The Food Group, Somali American Farmer’s Association, and more.
“Our long-standing partnership with Fairview’s food is medicine programming, and now called Fair Table, ensures continued success in expanding access to fresh produce to those who need it most,” said Anna Richardson, director of market access programs for Good Acre. “Through our partnership, Good Acre community support agriculture A boxes go to Fairview’s food-insecure patients and other community members free of cost. This collaboration not only supports the recipients but also bolsters local BIPOC- and women-owned farms, creating a win-win for patients and growers alike.”