Module 1
Case Study: Whole Food Model for Holistic Community Wellness
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Description: This module features Janssen Hang, Executive Director of the Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Janssen highlights the journey of Hmong refugees who revitalized the farmers market system in Minnesota. He highlights HAFA’s innovative Whole Food model that gave way to successful programs like Veggie Rx, which significantly improved health outcomes by addressing food insecurity, fostering connection to community, and reducing chronic disease incidence overall.
Key Takeaways:
HAFA has successfully implemented the Whole Food model by incorporating various programs like research, financial counseling, and a Food Hub. The Food Hub supports farmers by diversifying their market access, connecting them to distributors, processors, and retailers.
The Veggie Rx Program, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that supports farmers, doctors, patients, and anyone experiencing food insecurity, has significantly increased fruit and vegetable consumption and led to positive health outcomes, including a 100% reduction in the A1C marker among participants.
HAFA's programs have not only improved physical health but also mental health and social connectedness among participants. Their model demonstrates that addressing food insecurity has wide-ranging benefits, including reducing healthcare costs and improving overall well-being.
Resources:
Recorded on: March 15, 2024
Janssen Hang
Janssen Hang is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Hmong American Farmers Association. Janssen grew up growing, harvesting and selling vegetables for the local food economy and currently runs his family-owned value-added business making spring rolls and egg rolls at the downtown Saint Paul Farmers Market. A 2001 Saint Olaf graduate in Biology and Asian Studies, Janssen has over 20 years of experience in agriculture, 12 years in small business management, and 7 years as a licensed-real estate agent. Janssen is also one among just a few certified Hmong Mekongs (cultural broker). Janssen likes to spend his free time with his family in the outdoors.