The Iowa Community HUB, in partnership with Grace Fitness, was awarded a SNAP-Ed Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) grant from Iowa HHS in October 2024. This funding has strengthened our partnership and enabled us to build a coalition focused on policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes—moving beyond individual behavior change to create sustainable improvements in community health.

Through this initiative, we’ve developed a cross-sector HEAL coalition committed to transforming health outcomes by mobilizing local resources and amplifying community voices. Our coalition works collaboratively to identify strengths and barriers related to nutrition and physical activity in the 50314 zip code and surrounding neighborhoods. Its mission is to drive meaningful change that makes healthy eating and active living the easiest and most accessible choices for Black community members, particularly those eligible for SNAP-Ed.

To ensure that community perspectives shape our approach, we’ve established a Community Advisory Group (CAG). Comprising four community members directly impacted by the HUB’s Navigation program, Grace Fitness initiatives, and the Produce Box Program, the CAG provides valuable insight and lived experience. It guides HEAL PSE strategies, ensuring they reflect community needs and result in trusted, effective solutions. CAG members are also compensated for their time and expertise.

When individuals are referred to the HUB, our Community Health Workers (HUB Navigators) use the PRAPARE Tool to assess health and social needs, connecting them with vital resources—including food security support and physical activity opportunities through partners like Grace Fitness. Individuals facing food or nutrition insecurity are enrolled in the Produce Box Program, where Capital City Fruit delivers a 10-12 lb. box of fresh produce to their homes each month as they take part in chronic disease prevention and management programs. The Produce Box Program fills a gap for those who cannot access the State’s Produce Prescription Program.

Since its launch in 2024, the Produce Box Program has delivered 1,248 boxes of fresh produce to over 368 individuals, including 48 participants from Grace Fitness. Additionally, Grace Fitness has implemented the Diabetes Prevention Program and Better Choices, Better Health Program, reaching 69 individuals with structured support for healthier lifestyles.

In March, the HUB and Grace Fitness welcomed USDA and Iowa HHS staff for a site visit to share insights about the HEAL Project. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting our ability to leverage funding, foster strong healthcare partnerships, engage community leaders, and center community voices through the CAG.

Looking ahead, in April 2025, we will host a community asset mapping event to identify strengths and gaps in local healthy eating and active living resources. This will inform a strategic two-year action plan, prioritizing:

• Expanding access to community-based group physical activity programs to enhance social support for active living.
• Growing the Produce Box Program to serve more food-insecure individuals engaged in these programs.

Additionally, data collected through the HEAL Project will be used to advocate for increased funding, policy support, nutrition program incentives, and reimbursement strategies to sustain and expand this critical work in Iowa.