How Legacy Is Turning Fresh Food Into Better Health with FoodRX

At Legacy Community Health, we’ve always believed that real health goes far beyond what happens inside the exam room. Comprehensive care means seeing the full picture of a person’s life, because factors like what you eat, where you live, and what resources you can access all shape your health just as much as any diagnosis or prescription.

Food, in particular, is a big part of that picture, so much so that researchers and health advocates have come to call it “Food is Medicine.” That idea is at the core of our Health Beyond Care philosophy, and it’s also why Legacy started FoodRX — a free produce program for eligible Legacy patients.

The Real Reason Fresh Food Matters for Your Health

It might sound like a trend, but food as medicine is a serious, evidence-backed approach to healthcare. The logic is simple. What you eat has a direct impact on your health. Diet-related chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension are among the most common and preventable illnesses in our communities. And a big part of managing or preventing them comes down to consistent access to fresh, nutritious food.

According to the American Heart Association’s Health Care by Food initiative, Food is Medicine programs connect food access directly to healthcare, helping people treat, manage, and prevent diet-related conditions with the support of their medical team. They are gaining ground nationwide and for good reason. The research keeps showing they work.

Food insecurity is a real challenge here in Houston. The Houston Food Bank reported a county food insecurity rate of 15.4%, with communities of color feeling it the most. FoodRX exists to help close that gap.

How Does FoodRX Work?

FoodRX, a produce prescription program, was developed in partnership with the Houston Food Bank. It is part of our broader commitment to addressing the Social Determinants of Health — or the non-medical factors like food access, housing, and transportation that shape a person’s overall well-being.

Eligible patients can receive up to 30 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus four healthy grocery items, twice a month, all at no cost. The process is simple.

• During your visit, your Legacy care team screens you for food insecurity using a brief set of questions.
• If you meet the eligibility requirements, your provider refers you to the Health Connect team, who will enroll you in the program.
• From there, you receive fresh produce and groceries to help support your health goals at home.

Think of FoodRX as one more tool in your care plan, working right alongside your medical treatment.

Who Qualifies, and Where Can You Go?

FoodRX is available to Legacy Community Health patients who screen positive for food insecurity and meet at least one of the eligibility requirements. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, discuss with your provider at your next appointment, and your care team will help connect you to the right resources.

The program is currently available at these Legacy locations: Legacy Fifth Ward, Legacy Santa Clara, Legacy Southwest, Legacy Northline, Legacy Northside Irvington, and Legacy Gulfton Dashwood.

Legacy’s Health Connect programs can also help patients navigate community-based resources such as food, housing support, transportation assistance, and more, all as part of your care at Legacy.

Pinkie Fosha, A Leader Behind FoodRX

As Manager of Programs for Health Connect, Pinkie Fosha is one of the leaders driving FoodRX forward and making sure it reaches the people who need it most. She works at the crossroads of healthcare and community, and what she sees every day reminds her why programs like FoodRX matter so much.

For Pinkie, food access is a healthcare issue. “What you eat plays a significant factor in your overall health,” she stresses. “Nutrient-poor diets contribute to the development of obesity, hypertension, and many other preventable diseases.”

She also knows the difference this kind of support makes for patients. “Many patients are not even aware this support is available,” she says. “To be able to make someone’s day a little easier is why we do the work. Many of our patients come to the markets frequently, and to see their smiles and be able to serve them is so rewarding.”

That mindset is what Health Beyond Care means to her. “It looks at the patient holistically, not just providing a prescription and sending them on their way,” she explains. “We meet our patients where they are, addressing any identified needs directly or through collaboration. Knowledge and access are key.”

Most of all, she wants patients to know the door is open. Whether someone needs help with food, housing, financial assistance, employment, or clothing, she and her team are ready to assist.

FoodRX Shows Up Even in a Crisis

FoodRX is a program that runs on good days and bad ones. After Hurricane Beryl struck Houston in July 2024, Legacy’s Health Connect team mobilized quickly. Distributions at Legacy’s Santa Clara location served over 175 households with fresh food, hygiene kits, and essential supplies. Additional distribution efforts continued at the Lyons Clinic Mobile Market, where the team worked alongside the Houston Food Bank to make sure no one was turned away, including those not yet enrolled in FoodRX.

That kind of response says a lot about what this program is really about. In addition to fresh food, it is a commitment to showing up for our community when things get hard.

Ready to Get Connected?

If you or someone you care about is a Legacy patient and could benefit from FoodRX, please reach out. Call us at (832) 548-5000 or visit legacycommunityhealth.org to schedule an appointment and talk to your care team.

Good health is built at home, in your neighborhood, and at your table. Legacy is here to support all of it.

Sources: American Heart Association | Houston Food Bank | Legacy Community Health