For Providers
Nutrition That Heals: Medically Supportive Food for Your Patients
Why Teen Kitchen Project?
We’re dedicated to improving health outcomes and reducing isolation while engaging youth in vital community focused engagement. Our client care team is responsive and ready to start your patients on their journey to healthier eating.
Reduce social isolation through weekly connections with our volunteer Delivery Angels, phone check-ins, bouquets of flowers, and birthday and holiday gifts.
Educate clients about nutrition for their illness through one-on-one support from our Nutrition Care Manager RDN.
Privacy
We value the trust of our provider partners and are committed to safeguarding any personal client information shared with us. Our services are open to all, regardless of immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other factor. We do not share information with any law enforcement agencies.
What we Provide
Medically tailored meals to meet the nutritional needs of your patients living with chronic and acute illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more.
Teen Kitchen Project does not operate in allergen-free kitchens.
- 7-14 healthy, beautiful, delicious and home-delivered meals per week depending on the patient’s illness and contract.
- Meals are provided at no or low cost to your patient, depending on their income level.
- Client Care and Nutrition Education services in English or Spanish.
- Our menu is plant-forward and modeled after the DASH diet and Therapeutic Life Changes diet. All meals are designed to be reduced-sodium, heart-healthy, and diabetes friendly.
Client Testimonials
I believe Teen Kitchen Project saved my life! I’ve had chronic kidney disease, and it’s been hard to get healthy meals. Since I started receiving TKP’s meals, I’ve felt better AND my most recent labs have come back showing improvements since starting TKP! I’ve worked in community health for over 30 years, and have been volunteering since I was teenager, so I understand the value of this program. This program provides wonderful services to community members in need, while providing amazing educational experiences to teens. I really couldn’t thank you all enough for everything you do. Thank you!
I have been able to reduce the diuretic medication I was taking because I’m not retaining as much fluid around my heart because of your amazing low-salt meals! It makes a huge difference in my shortness of breath and other symptoms of a very week heart. Thank you for initiating this program and serving the community and me with outstanding services.
I find the changing dishes to be a treasure hunt of flavors that often surprise & delight my taste buds and fill my stomach in a satisfying way that’s also adventurous and delicious.
This project anticipates the needs of the recipient in every stage of the project. The food is lovely, the project managers couldn’t be more attentive And the volunteer drivers are absolutely a joy.
Provider Testimonials
TKP was there for her at the most difficult time in her life- She is very grateful for all the support
Client and his family are tremendously grateful for services- they have seen improvements in his physical and mental health
Fill out our form and email it to clientservices@nullteenkitchenproject.org, or use our HIPAA compliant fax at 831-288-1762.
For Medi-Cal Patients:
If your patient has Central California Alliance for Health, apply for Community Supports today!
Community Supports offers additional help for members with complex health issues. To apply, fill out the CCAH’s Meals Provider Referral Form. Be sure to indicate Teen Kitchen Project as the servicing provider and upload supporting clinical documentation.
For more information about Community Supports, visit their website at Community Supports – Central California Alliance for Health
Qualifications*
In order to qualify, your patient must be:
- Living in Santa Cruz or San Benito* County
- Dealing with an acute or chronic health challenge, such as:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Able to refrigerate and reheat meals.
We serve clients of all ages!
*Community Supports Clients Only
TKP Model:
Our client team will call your patient within 48 hours to get them enrolled. Most clients are able to start receiving meals within 7 days. If we need any supplemental information, or are not able to get them enrolled within 10 days, we will reach out for further coordination. We look forward to serving your patients!
Proven Benefits of MTM
Projection: if modeled nationally could MTM coud save $13.6B in healthcare spending and help avoid 1.6M hospitalizations
From FIMC Study
70%
Drop in Emergency Department Visits
50%
Decrease in Hospitalizations
16%
Reduction in Net Health Care Costs
TKP STATS
77%
Report reduced stress because they had healthy meals and food
89% somewhat + a lot
73%
Reported TKP services helped manage health
90% somewhat + a lot
68%
68% reported TKP meals/food helped clients feel better physically
86% somewhat + a lot
52%
52% reported feeling less lonely with TKP and Volunteer interactions
74% somewhat + a lot
About Our Meals
Dietary Needs
At this time, we are not able to accommodate celiac disease, or any severe food allergies. Our meals are prepared in a shared kitchen where cross-contamination with common allergens may occur.
Our Current Menu Options Include:
Meals:
- Regular Meals Bag
- Vegetarian Meals Bag
Groceries*
- Regular Groceries Bag
- Vegetarian Groceries Bag
- Regular Renal-Friendly Grocery Bag**
- Vegetarian Renal-Friendly Grocery Bag**
Meals standards
We follow rigorous nutrition standards set by leading health professionals. Our ingredients follow our food philosophy. Most ingredients are organic because it’s healthiest for your patient, the farmer who grows the food, and the planet.
Questions
Contact Client Services: Clientservices@nullteenkitchenproject.org / 831-316-4540 extension 1
We look forward to working with you and your patients!
Notes: *Applicable for Medi-Cal Members only
