DigitalC Partners with UFC Food System to Combat Food and Health Disparities

By DigitalC

2 min read

May 28, 2024

UFC Food System Co-Founder Chad Anderson embarked on the endeavor to create an online hub for buying local fresh groceries and wellness amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Observing the closure of the neighborhood grocery store where he spent his childhood, he became aware of the construction of a dollar store adjacent to the local corner store, situated across the street from a McDonald's. This presented a significant concern regarding the community's social determinants of health.

After further research, according to the USDA, in 2021, nearly 20% of Black individuals lived in food-insecure households. In addition, Black people are almost three times as likely to face hunger as white individuals. Often, Black families are limited to shopping at corner stores which have higher price points and no fresh foods from which to select. In 2022, one in five Black people in the United States experienced food insecurity. According to the USDA, nearly nine million Black people could not access enough food to lead a healthy, active life.

To address this challenge, in partnership with Ted Ginn Jr., Veronica and Michael Walton, Aetna Health, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareSource, Local Legend Foundation and DigitalC, the UFC Food Online Grocery Store connects local farmers with families residing in the community. UFC Food System, along with a coalition of community leaders, is introducing this innovative food system to Northeast Ohio through The Glenville Maz-Low Food Fest Series at Gateway 105 Farmers Market.

Starting from May 2024 until October, The Glenville Maz-Low Food Fest Series offers opportunities for accessing fresh foods, culinary education, and primary healthcare, including free health screenings. Furthermore, the online grocery store food hubs will be present onsite, year-round, enabling community members to continue accessing fresh food and grocery items by placing orders online at ufcfood.org.

DigitalC: Powering Connections at Glenville Maz-Low Food Fest

DigitalC, the official community-based internet service provider of the Glenville Maz-Low Food Fest, is proud to power digital engagement for the summer event series, connecting residents to what matters through high-speed home internet and digital skills training. Residents having access to quality and affordable home internet connections are crucial in combating social determinants of health. Reliable internet access allows families to order groceries online, access telehealth services, and stay informed about community resources.

In addition to providing internet access, DigitalC offers digital skills training to help residents connect to apps, shop the UFC Food Hub online, and navigate the internet to access the resources needed to thrive. These skills are essential in today's digital age.

At the event, alongside the food hubs, health hubs are established to tackle additional social determinants of health. These health hubs offer a range of services including wellness checks, diabetes management, weight loss programs, mental health support, job training, and placement opportunities.