A Turn for the Better: A South Jersey Resident’s Transformation with the Food Farmacy+

When Linda Tellis retired from her full-time position on the Board of Education in Greater Egg Harbor, NJ, she decided to use her newly found time to start working toward a healthier lifestyle.

Linda, 67, asked her primary care provider, ExcelCare Alliance family medicine nurse practitioner, Heather Nelson, N.P., for advice. Along with recommending lifestyle changes and medication, Nelson referred Linda to Inspira’s Food Farmacy+ program in Bridgeton for access to food items that could help her jumpstart a new way of life.

“I wanted to get healthier as I started on this next part of my life,” Linda said. “I was having some issues with my weight, which were causing my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers to be too high. Heather helped me understand how to start getting control.”

Inspira’s Food Farmacy+ program is a resource for patients who face food insecurity, meaning their food intake is negatively impacted by a lack of money or other resources. 

Food insecurity remains a significant health challenge across South Jersey, particularly in Cumberland County, where access to affordable and nutritious food options can be limited. Research shows that individuals living with food insecurity are more likely to experience chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Inspira Health launched Food Farmacy+ to bridge this gap, offering not only access to healthy groceries but also ongoing support to help participants make lasting changes. The “plus” in the program’s name reflects its comprehensive approach, which combines food assistance with care coordination and connections to community resources.

Participants in Food Farmacy+ are referred by Inspira clinicians based on both medical need and a social determinants of health screening. Once enrolled, patients meet with community health workers who connect them with Inspira and community resources, depending on their medical and social needs. Through partnerships with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and the Food Banks of South Jersey, the Food Farmacy+ can provide whole foods, high-fiber grains, lean proteins and fresh produce while limiting processed foods high in sodium or added sugar.

At the Food Farmacy+, Linda started selecting food combinations that would support her weight-loss and health goals. She has been going nearly every month this year.

“They have such a great variety of food and the facility is very organized,” she said. “I especially like being able to get fresh vegetables, such as zucchini, squash and tomatoes, as well as canned fruits and other foods.”

Linda said the results of her new lifestyle, with Nelson’s advice and access to the Food Farmacy+, were almost immediate.

“When I started on this journey around November 2024, I was about 240 pounds,” she said. “Now, less than a year later, I am at about 184. The numbers don’t mean as much to me. I don’t have a specific goal I’m shooting for. I just wanted to feel better. And I do! I have so much more energy for myself, my children and my grandchildren.”

Stories like Linda’s demonstrate how access to nutritious food and education can profoundly affect both physical and emotional well-being. For many participants, weight loss is just one benefit. Others see improvements in their blood sugar control, cholesterol levels and overall energy. The program encourages consistent engagement, helping participants build new habits through monthly visits and ongoing support from Inspira’s care coordination team.

According to Inspira’s population health team, participants are often surprised by how quickly they begin to feel better once they have access to the right foods and resources. Even small changes—like substituting whole grains for refined ones or increasing daily vegetable intake—can lead to measurable improvements in health. Inspira’s care teams track progress through regular follow-ups, helping patients like Linda stay accountable and celebrate milestones along the way.