Nourishing New Beginnings
The Evolution and Impact of Our Maternal Meals Program
In 2021, Healing Meals Community Project launched a forward-thinking initiative to support pregnant women in low-income and underserved communities across Hartford. These women, many living in food deserts and managing chronic health conditions, face a higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight babies, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression.
Our answer? Provide nourishing, organic, made-from-scratch meals paired with compassionate support and culturally responsive wellness education.
From Pilot to Breakthrough: Listening, Learning, Evolving
The initial program, developed in partnership with the City of Hartford and the Hispanic Health Council, served 84 pregnant women between 2021 and 2023. Many of these women started the program during their second trimester and received meals through two months postpartum.
While early results showed promise—most babies were born full-term and at healthy weights—we quickly saw areas for improvement. Retention was low, hovering around 40%. Families struggled with unfamiliar ingredients, language barriers, and inconsistent delivery access. Wellness education felt inaccessible, and too often, the program didn’t reflect the lived realities of the women we were trying to support.
But that’s the beauty of community-driven work: we listened, we learned—and we made it better.
A Community-Centered Model for Maternal Health
In January 2024, we reimagined the Maternal Meals Program through a new partnership with Hartford HealthCare’s Women’s Ambulatory Health Services.
This updated model focuses on two key success drivers:
- Nutritional risk criteria: Participation now prioritizes pregnant women diagnosed with Type 2 or gestational diabetes—conditions where food can make a measurable difference.
- Bicultural community leadership: We hired a Spanish-speaking Community Liaison, Janely Betances, whose cultural insights and relationship-building skills have created stronger bridges of trust and communication.
The result? 100% retention in the new program.
Families are no longer just participating—they’re transforming.
The Impact: In Numbers and in Lives
Since the 2024 relaunch:
- 36 pregnant women have received support through the program
- 26 healthy babies have been born, with full-term gestations and healthy birth weights
- A new Diabetes Meals Program was launched in March 2025 to expand support to individuals with all types of diabetes in low-income households.
From our initial pilot:
- 88.5% of babies were born at a healthy weight
- Only 1 out of 36 mothers gave birth preterm
- Participants reported higher energy, better eating habits, and a stronger connection to community
Real Stories, Real Change
Mothers in the program shared how their habits and households shifted:
“I tried things I never thought I’d eat—chickpeas, quinoa, purple potatoes. And I actually liked them.”
“I used to fry everything. Now I bake. My family eats better because of this.”
“I don’t give my baby sugar. I give her fruits and vegetables—things I’m learning to eat too.”
Postpartum support also made a measurable difference. As one mom shared:
“Those first months after the baby, I didn’t have to think about meals. I had food ready, I could rest, focus on breastfeeding, and just heal.”
A caseworker noted:
“Their diabetes tests came out clear. Their babies were born over 7 pounds. They had more energy. It made a difference in every way.”
More Than Meals: Building a Circle of Care
Our program now includes:
- Weekly meal deliveries made with healthy organic ingredients & love
- Nutrition education is offered through exposure to our healthy meals, as well as regular phone calls with our client team
- Personalized support and regular check-ins
- Cultural understanding and language access
- Postpartum care through the early months of parenting
We’ve created not just a health intervention, but a relationship-centered, wraparound support model that honors culture, meets needs, and creates a ripple effect of health within families.
Looking Ahead
We’re expanding this model into other diabetes-focused programs and deepening partnerships with clinical providers. We’re adapting recipes to reflect the cultural traditions and tastes of the families we serve, starting outreach earlier in pregnancy, and ensuring every family feels truly seen and supported.” Because this is more than a meal delivery program—it’s about nourishing generations.
Be Part of the Story
Volunteer. Donate. Spread the word. You can help us build a healthier future, one family at a time.
Learn more at healingmealsproject.org
