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In the summer of 2018 The Community Chest convened a group of representatives from local organizations to discuss the needs of the community with regard to hunger. The Population Health Department of Englewood Health (formerly Englewood Hospital and Medical Center) has done a survey of people in the service area who were suffering from obesity and diabetes. The statistics were sobering and the need for some type of community intervention was evident. 

A planning committee was formed comprised of The Community Chest, Englewood Health, the two major food pantries in Englewood, Office of Concern and the Center for Food Action, the Age Friendly Englewood Coalition and a group of interested local residents, to discuss how to begin to address this serious health situation. The project was named The Partnership for Healthy Eating. This committee meets regularly and continues to grow as new people are identified who wish to give their time to addressing this problem of poor nutrition. 

A program was designed that would have as its major purpose educating low income residents about preparing healthy foods on a limited budget. This free dinner program makes heavy use of volunteers and draws from other resources and talents present in the community. 

Referrals will be made from the local food pantries who will have a combined number of 40 people to refer each month. The dinners will be served in community locations that are conveniently located within the center of Englewood and that have the space to serve dinner to 40 people per session. Most of the locations are churches but other settings will be used as they become available. 

Unfilled slots may be filled by local congregations and nonprofits as they become available. The cost of food per monthly dinner is $500 to serve 40 people. Contributions of any amount are currently being sought from individuals and businesses. For more information about The Partnership for Healthy Eating contact Shelly Wimpfheimer at 201 568 7474.