Urban Food Alliance Launches Metabolic Health & Nutrition Equity Initiative, Seeks Doctors, Coaches, Mentors, and Student Interns
Trenton, NJ - Urban Food Alliance (UFA), a nonprofit that has served over 3.6 million meals to vulnerable communities, today announced a new initiative to address a growing public health gap: helping low-income patients on GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide and tirzepatide) access the high-protein, nutrient-dense food needed to sustain their health while on these treatments.
Up to 30% of patients discontinue GLP-1 medications within 30 days, and as many as 70% within a year, often due to side effects like hair loss, muscle loss, fatigue, and nausea that proper nutrition can help mitigate. For patients in food deserts, the barrier isn't willpower, it's access. UFA's new initiative combines its existing community food distribution network with nutrition education, mentorship, and applied research to close that gap.
"We've spent years building trust in these communities one meal at a time," said Mushi M. Bhuiyan, Founder & CEO of Urban Food Alliance. "Now we're building the next layer: making sure the food we provide actually supports people through the health challenges they're facing."
The initiative includes:
High-protein, nutrient-dense food boxes distributed through UFA's existing community programs
A 12-week Community Health Research Internship for pre-med and nutrition students (unpaid, with the potential to convert to a paid role as the program grows)
Community education on nutrition strategies for patients managing GLP-1 side effects
A mentorship and coaching network connecting healthcare professionals with program participants and student interns
UFA is currently recruiting:
Physicians, registered dietitians, and pharma/clinical R&D professionals to help shape a responsible, evidence-based approach to food-based support for GLP-1 patients
Mentors and coaches to guide student interns and support program participants
Pre-med and nutrition students for the Community Health Research Internship
Volunteers and community partners to help expand reach
Those interested in joining the effort can apply at Join UFA's Metabolic Health & Nutrition Equity Initiative or learn more at www.urbanfoodalliance.org / www.aiufa.org.
UFA will introduce the initiative to the community this Sunday at its weekly meal distribution event in Trenton, NJ, at 12:00 PM.
About Urban Food Alliance
Urban Food Alliance is a nonprofit organization addressing food insecurity through direct meal programs and workforce/AI skills training, having served over 3.6 million meals and taught over 5,000 students. UFA operates at the intersection of immediate hunger relief, nutrition security, and long-term self-sufficiency.
Media Contact:
Mushi M. Bhuiyan
Founder & CEO, Urban Food Alliance
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