Smart Nutrition, Real Impact
How HealthLink360’s Food as Medicine Program Achieved 93% Adherence in Southeast D.C.
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s medicine. And in communities where access to healthy meals is limited, that medicine is often out of reach. That’s why HealthLink360 launched our Food as Medicine initiative—a tech-enabled, culturally relevant nutrition pilot designed to tackle both chronic disease and food insecurity in Southeast Washington, D.C.
A Community in Crisis
Southeast D.C. is home to some of the city’s most persistent health disparities, driven by structural inequities and social determinants of health (SDOH). Food deserts in neighborhoods like Anacostia and Barry Farm make it difficult to find affordable, fresh, and nutritious food. These gaps, paired with lower median incomes and limited healthcare access, have contributed to disproportionately high rates of hypertension and diabetes in the area.
The HealthLink360 Approach
In partnership with the Washington Senior Wellness Center, we identified older adults managing chronic illnesses and developed AI-prescribed, personalized meal plans tailored to their medical conditions, dietary preferences, and cultural norms. But this wasn’t just about delivering food—it was about rebuilding trust in wellness through habit stacking, empowerment, and consistency.
Each participant received five nutrient-dense meals per week, curated to meet both their health needs and their taste preferences. We layered in real-time biometric monitoring, daily check-ins via smartphone, and behavioral nudges to support long-term adherence.
The Results? 93% Adherence
Our pilot achieved a 93% adherence rate—a powerful indicator that culturally relevant, tech-driven interventions work when they’re designed with empathy, data, and community at the center. Participants reported improved energy, increased motivation to eat healthier outside of the program, and a renewed sense of agency in their health journey.
Why This Matters
Traditional healthcare often begins after something goes wrong. At HealthLink360, we believe care should start with prevention—and food is one of the most accessible, powerful tools we have. By integrating technology, AI, and culture into our wellness model, we’re closing the care gaps that leave too many voices unheard.
What’s Next?
We’re scaling this model with plans to expand into more communities facing similar challenges. If you're a provider, payor, or partner interested in turning food into a tool for health equity, let’s connect.
Because real care starts with listening—and your body’s been trying to tell you all along.