Social Prescribing:

More Than a Meal, Wellness Through Connection

Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Care and Community Connection

At Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois (MOWFNI), we believe that the most important issues facing older adults are often not purely medical. While healthcare providers focus on treating disease, a person’s quality of life is frequently determined by their social determinants of health—their nutrition, their level of isolation, and their sense of belonging.

That is why MOWFNI is embracing Social Prescribing: an innovative model that empowers healthcare workers to "prescribe" non-clinical, community-based services to improve a patient’s health and well-being.

Social Prescribing- Improve Health

What is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing shifts the focus from "What is the matter with you?" to "What matters to you?" It is a holistic approach to care that recognizes that loneliness and social isolation can have health consequences as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. By integrating our nutrition and wellness programs into the healthcare journey, we help address some of the key aspects of health:

  • Physical
  • Emotional
  • Intellectual
  • Social
  • Environmental
Social Prescribing- More than a Meal

Our Programs: The "Community Prescription" for Wellness

When an older adult is "prescribed" to MOWFNI, they gain access to a network of support designed to foster independence:

  • Home-Delivered Meals: High-quality nutrition combined with vital wellness checks and a friendly face at the door.
  • Community Cafés: Social hubs that encourage older adults to stay active, get out of the house, and build meaningful friendships.
  • Service Navigation: Linking participants to fitness classes, technology support, local workshops, and other community resources to help them thrive.

Partner With Us: Join us in Social Prescribing

Are you a healthcare provider, clinical pharmacist, or social service agency?

We are looking to expand our partnership network to better serve the older adults of Cook, Kendall, Grundy, and Will Counties. By partnering with MOWFNI, you can ensure your patients have a direct link to the social supports that keep them healthy, independent, and out of the hospital.

Why Partner with MOWFNI?

  • Reduce Healthcare Stress: Social prescribing is proven to reduce the utilization of primary and emergency care and ensures they get the right support (social vs. clinical).
  • Improve Outcomes: Help your patients gain the confidence, self-esteem, and nutrition they need to manage chronic conditions.
  • An Integrated System: We work alongside partners to ensure that social support is a core component of the care plan.

 

Take the First Step

Let’s work together to build a neighborhood of care. Reach out today by emailing us to learn how your organization can work with MOWFNI to build our Social Prescribing program together.