Mid-Ohio Foodbank to participate in study on diabetes prevention outreach

The Columbus-based Mid-Ohio Foodbank is one of three foodbanks nationally that will participate in a study to determine the effectiveness of diabetes prevention outreach to low-income populations (Source: "Study taps food banks to help diabetics," Columbus Dispatch, Aug. 8, 2012).

Along with foodbanks in Corpus Cristi, Texas and Sonoma, Calif., the Mid-Ohio Foodbank will assist in measuring the impact of providing healthful foods, education and treatment services on food pantry clients with diabetes. Locally, the foodbank will work locally with  Central Ohio Diabetes Association, Columbus Neighborhood Health Centers and Ohio State University on the $800,000 project  funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation through a partnership with Feeding America.

A total of 226 central Ohio residents will be recruited over the next three years for the progam, with about 26 already are participating. Participants are being given diabetes-appropriate foods, educational information and have their blood-sugar levels regularly monitored.