Eat Well, Be Well can help you make healthy choices every day. Find easy-to-make recipes, listen to our podcast, get healthy eating tips, and learn about food resources in your community. We have tools and support for you and your family.
Episode 1: Mindful Eating
Hear from Hannah Gruenewald, a Registered Dietitian at Meridian as she shares insights on avoiding fad diets and making mindful food choices. Keep it simple. You don’t have to overhaul your pantry to get started.
Episode 2: Tradition Meets Health
In this episode of the Eat Well, Be Well podcast, registered dietitian Hannah Gruenewald shares practical tips for making healthier food choices while honoring cultural traditions. Learn how to balance nutrition with heritage using the flexible plate method and simple strategies for everyday meals.
Episode 3: Rethinking Health Beyond the Scale
Meridian dietitian, Hannah Gruenewald, explains why health is about more than just the number on the scale. Healthy habits, like eating well, moving your body, and managing stress, are just as important.
Episode 4: Beyond Nutrition – Real Support for Moms-to-Be
In this episode, Hannah Gruenewald, Registered Dietician, and Terra Granzyk, Manager, Care Management, talk about healthy eating and support during pregnancy. Find out how Meridian is here for moms to be during pregnancy and after baby arrives.
Episode 5: Life After Birth – Navigating the Fourth Trimester
In this episode, we talk about what happens after your baby arrives. Learn how we support new moms and babies. And how we help with food, formula, and other essentials. We also offer simple tips to help parents take care of themselves as they adjust to life with a newborn.
Episode 6: From First Foods to Healthy Habits
Feeding babies and toddlers can feel overwhelming. In this episode, learn when to start solids, how to try new foods, and what to do when kids say “no.” We also cover how WIC supports families with food and other resources.
Episode 7: Maximize Your Grocery Budget in 5 Steps
Eating well doesn't have to cost a lot. In this episode of the Eat Well, Be Well podcast, Hannah Gruenewald, Meridian Registered Dietitian, shares 5 simple tips to help you save money at the grocery store.
Episode 8: Let's Talk Nutrition Trends
It can be hard to know what nutrition advice to trust. In this episode, we talk about common food myths, diet trends, and how to find reliable nutrition information. Learn simple tips to help you make healthy choices.
Recipes for wellness
Explore recipes by topic or see all budget-friendly recipes here.
Serving up health
Find Farmer’s Market events where members can get $15 vouchers for fresh fruits and veggies, plus other events in your area.
Use findhelp to locate food pantries near you.
Talk to your provider about what meal plan is best for you.
Community resources for food assistance
Food banks are places where food items are stored until they are redistributed to food pantries and soup kitchens. They have information where food panties are located and other food assistance programs.
Feeding Illinois’ purpose is to provide food for hungry people in Illinois, to fight for policies that reduce hunger, and to educate the public about the important role food banks play in ending hunger. For more information, visit the Feeding Illinois website or call 773-843-5425 for food banks in your area.
Food pantries are places where people can go to receive meals and other food. Locate a food pantry by zip code.
To find out if you are eligible for the Illinois Link Card visit the DHS website and fill out the application. You can also call the Department of Human Services Help Line at 800-843-6154.
Farmers markets must be certified by the Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) to accept Link Cards. View a list of markets in your area or call the Department of Agriculture at 217-524-9129 for more information.
WIC helps provide supplemental food and formula to Women, Infant and Children at a nutritional risk. For more information or call 800-26-BIRTH.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository offers SNAP application assistance to residents across all of Illinois. Members can call directly at 773-247-FOOD (3663). Or fill out this form and list “Meridian” as your referral source.
There are many public and private schools in Illinois that offer free breakfast and lunch programs for your children. To see if you qualify for this benefit please visit the school meals program website or call 800-545-7892.
This program helps both families and pregnant women with one or more children with temporary cash and also other benefits. The aid can help pay for shelter, rent, food, utilities, heating bills, and expenses other than medical. Visit the TANF website or call 800-843-6154 for more information.