Rana Pediatric Fund Healthy Eating Initiative
Sponsored by the Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation
The Rana Pediatric Fund Healthy Eating Initiative at Howard University provides access to nutritious food for patients with sickle cell disease and other chronic illnesses who receive care at Howard University Hospital, Pediatric Clinic. Patients with sickle cell disease have increased requirements for calories and they need additional micro-nutrients. A diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes along with lean meats and increased fluids is essential. Most of the families cared for in our clinic are low income and may lack social support and the means to access this type of healthy diet. Through the Jones Foundation support, we have increased our ability to provide additional food assistance in the form of gift cards and educational materials to families. While this initial funding ended, we have recived a small gift from Wawa and continue to pursue additional funding to sustain this initiative.