Farm-raised Food For Healthier Outcomes

In 2022, CHRISTUS St. Mary’s Clinic joined forces with the Houston Food Bank to provide healthy food options for those struggling with chronic conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol. Twice a month the Food Bank brings their mobile market to the clinic, where patients in the FoodRX program can pick up donated food that aligns with their health needs.

Now, a new partnership is providing additional resources for patients. “Finca Tres Robles and UT Public Health are collaborating on a one-year study on pre-diabetes, and they approached St. Mary’s Clinic to join,” said Denise Reyna, nutrition educator at the clinic. Located in Houston’s East End, Finca Tres Robles began in 2014 on a longtime vacant property and slowly transformed into a fully functioning farm operation. Organically grown produce along with meat, dairy and eggs from local farm partners are sold through the farm’s marketplace, which is open twice a week.

For the study, Reyna narrows down the patients that fit the criteria and are already enrolled in the FoodRX program. “Patients receive $200 to use on seasonal and organic produce at Finca Tres Robles,” said Reyna. “They have to confirm that they have transportation to the marketplace and commit to going monthly.”

Every six months, patients will come to the clinic for readings and are required to keep a log of what they are purchasing at the market. “Ultimately, the study will show if there is improvement in the patients’ health by adding more fruits and vegetables to their diets.”