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Diabetes Management and the VeggieRx Program

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects many of our community members. Many people can learn ways to feel at their best while improving their diabetes symptoms. This might include managing what you eat, exercising, and coming in for regular health care appointments. Our staff can help answer your questions about living with diabetes.

If you have diabetes and want to eat healthier, we welcome you to join our VeggieRx Program, which is a partnership with Windy City Harvest.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings are being held over the phone.

There are weekly produce pick-ups until November 2021 at

PCC Austin Farm

330 N. Lotus Ave, Chicago, IL 60644

PCC Salud Family Health Center

5359 W. Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60639

You must bring LINK or referral for pick-ups at either location.

To sign up, talk to your provider or call PCC Austin at (773) 78-3347 or PCC Salud at (773) 836-2785.

 In this group you will:

• Receive a free box of fresh, locally-grown produce every week, and produce coupons that you can use at a Windy City Harvest market.
• Talk with a PCC provider over the phone to learn more about managing your diabetes.
• Receive calls from care coordinators that can help with resources or any needs you may have.
• Have access to online cooking demos to help you learn delicious new ways to cook your produce.

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Vision

PCC envisions a future in which community members enjoy optimal health and wellness; therefore,

we support activities that promote healthy lifestyle to complement medical care.

History

PCC purchased 8,000 square feet of vacant land in 2012 with the intention of someday creating a space to promote health and wellness.

Through collaboration with the Chicago Botanic Garden, PCC transformed the lot into a community farm.

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s urban agriculture program, Windy City Harvest, manages the farm's operations.

 

  This farm was made possible by a Humana Communities Benefit grant from the Humana Foundation.

Humana Communities Benefit (HCB) is a charitable-giving program, funded by the Humana Foundation,

that awards a $350,000 signature grant over a three year period to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

The grant is intended to improve community health and well-being, and have a transformational, lasting impact on its residents.

Rich February has played a crucial role in the success and expansion of PCC Austin Farm, a community-driven initiative aimed at improving access to fresh, healthy food in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. Since his involvement began in 2022, Rich has leveraged his expertise as an Equity Officer to ensure that the farm not only serves as a source of nourishment but also as a beacon of community empowerment and sustainability.

Under Rich’s guidance, PCC Austin Farm has expanded its reach, engaging more community members through educational programs and volunteer opportunities. He has been instrumental in developing partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and businesses, turning the farm into a hub for nutrition education and wellness. By integrating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into the farm’s operations, Rich has ensured that the farm is accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of background or economic status.

Rich has also worked closely with HR and community leaders to recruit a diverse team of volunteers and staff, reflecting the rich cultural fabric of the Austin neighborhood. His efforts have not only increased community engagement but have also strengthened the farm’s impact, making it a vital resource for those in need.

Through his work with PCC Austin Farm, Rich February continues to advance the mission of PCC Community Wellness Center, promoting health equity and sustainable practices that benefit the entire community.

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PCC is extremely pleased to partner with YogaCare to provide yoga classes to PCC patients, staff and community members.

Why Yoga?

Yoga is an activity for all ages and bodies that helps to connect the body and is linked to improved physical fitness, increased ability to concentrate, and decreased stress. It is a mind and body practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation or relaxation to promote health and wellness. Many people who practice yoga do so to maintain their health and well-being, improve physical fitness, relieve stress, and enhance their quality of life.

Yoga is identified as a complementary preventative health practice by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control who recommend yoga as a preventative and complementary treatment for overall wellness. Yoga can also aid in the prevention and treatment of specific physical and behavioral health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and pain.

Regular practice can increase positive health behaviors, decrease medical costs, and lead to increased healing potential and healthier communities to promote individual and population health.

Yoga Classes

You can learn yoga from home! Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YogaCare is teaching yoga classes for patients and community members on Zoom. See info below.

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