February is Heart Health Month!

At The Community Market, we believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food that supports a healthy and vibrant life. This February, as we celebrate Heart Health Month, we’re highlighting the importance of heart-healthy eating and the critical role food access plays in preventing heart disease. Our commitment to providing barrier-free access to fresh, nutritious produce for low-income families is at the heart of everything we do.

Why Heart Health Month Matters to Us

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and it disproportionately affects low-income families who often face significant barriers to accessing healthy food. Research shows that:

• Low-income individuals are 2.5 times more likely to develop heart disease compared to those with higher incomes.
• Many families in our community face tough decisions, like choosing between paying rent or buying fresh fruits and vegetables.
• A diet rich in fresh produce can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30%.

At The Community Market, we know that access to healthy food shouldn’t depend on your income. That’s why we’re here—to ensure everyone in our community, regardless of their circumstances, can fill their plates with fresh, heart-healthy options.

Celebrating Heart Health Month

Heart Health Month is an opportunity to:

1. Raise Awareness: Highlight the connection between nutrition and heart health.
2. Empower Families: Share practical tips and recipes to support healthier eating habits.
3. Strengthen Community: Celebrate the role donors, volunteers, and partners play in making heart-healthy food accessible.

This month, we’re kicking off a series of Heart-Healthy Eating Tips to inspire healthier habits.

Heart-Healthy Eating Tip #1:

BUMP UP FIBER

Fiber is a powerful ally for heart health. It helps lower bad cholesterol, improves digestion, and keeps you feeling full, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. Foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes are all excellent sources of fiber.

Here are a few ways we’re helping families increase fiber intake:

• Providing fresh produce like apples, leafy greens, and root vegetables in every market visit.
• Sharing simple, budget-friendly recipes that incorporate high-fiber ingredients.
• Partnering with nutrition educators to offer workshops on heart-healthy meal planning.

Did You Know?
Through the generosity of our donors and partners, The Community Market serves over 6,000 individuals each week—including children, seniors, and hardworking families. Many of these families are living paycheck to paycheck, and for them, the fresh, nutritious food we provide is a lifeline to better health.

How You Can Help

This Heart Health Month, join us in making a difference:

• Donate: Your support ensures we can continue to provide fresh, heart-healthy food to families in need.
• Volunteer: Help stock shelves, distribute food, or lead a nutrition workshop.
• Partner: Collaborate with us to expand access to fresh food and health education.

By coming together, we can address health disparities in our community and build a future where everyone has the resources to thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially.

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger community—one heart at a time.