In alignment with our strategic goal to expand capacity to address unmet needs in Sarasota County, it is essential to understand the scope of chronic health conditions affecting individuals in our community. Chronic conditions often create compounding challenges that impact health, independence, and quality of life.
are all living with chronic conditions.
CDC Trends in Multiple Chronic Conditions Among US Adults by Life Stage, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2013-2023
of patients they have high blood pressure/hyper tension.
of patients they have high blood sugar/ a risk of diabetes.
John Hopkins Community Health Needs Assessment, 2025
Medically Tailored Meals are fully prepared meals that satisfy therapeutic, evidence-based dietary specifications and are assigned to an individual based on an assessment of their nutritional needs by a Registered Dietician. These meals have low amounts of sodium, sugar, or saturated fats, may be modified in texture for safe swallowing, or are restricted in specific nutrients such as potassium.
The Food is Medicine Coalition is a national coalition of nonprofit organizations that provide these medically tailored meals and education to people in communities across the country living with severe and chronic illnesses. In June 2026, Meals on Wheels of Sarasota graduated with five other nonprofits, undergoing the intensive curriculum-based six month training program, and now we are an accredited agency.
In the fall of 2026, Meals on Wheels of Sarasota plans to launch a pilot program to address medical conditions related to heart disease and diabetes.
To advance our work in our community, the program has established the following long-term goals:
Healthcare Providers: Click this link to send an Inquiry to join our Food Is Medicine program.
Financial Support: Click this link to share your interest in investing in the Food Is Medicine pilot program.