Consider Supporting the Cause
A heart-healthy diet can play a powerful role in preventing disease and supporting long-term well-being. But we know that lasting change takes more than recipes.
If you’re looking for ways to make a broader impact, consider supporting the organizations below —each one is working to expand access to nutritious food, healthcare, and education in the communities that need it most.
We receive no funds from these links and do not profit from this work in any way.
The American Heart Association
Founded in 1924, the AHA is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. With a mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, the AHA works through:
Cutting-Edge Research
The AHA is the largest non-government funder of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research in the U.S., investing over $5 billion since inception [1].
Public Education Campaigns
Through initiatives like Life’s Essential 8 and Hands-Only CPR, the AHA helps millions better understand and manage their cardiovascular health [2][3].
Health Equity Initiatives
From grantmaking through Social Impact Funds to community-led programs, the AHA addresses root causes of health disparities like food insecurity, housing instability, and access to care [4][5].
Advocacy and Policy Work
The AHA advocates for evidence-based public policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Their priorities include reducing tobacco use [6], improving access to nutritious school meals [7], and promoting physical activity [8], all in service of their 2028 Impact Goal to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to equitable care [9].
Community Health
Established in 1993, CommunityHealth is the largest volunteer-based free clinic in the U.S., serving thousands of uninsured adults in Chicago each year [10]. Their unique model demonstrates the power of community-driven care:
Comprehensive, No-Cost Services
CommunityHealth offers primary care, over 20 specialties, dental and mental health care, labs, prescriptions, and chronic disease management—all free to patients [11].
Volunteer-Driven Care
Over 1,000 volunteers annually—including physicians, nurses, students, interpreters, and pharmacists—deliver care in over 30 languages [12].
Patient-Centered Approach
Services are tailored to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of Chicago’s diverse communities, ensuring dignity and trust at every step [13].
Health Education & Prevention
From nutrition workshops to diabetes education, CommunityHealth empowers patients to manage their own well-being long term [14].
Sources
[1] American Heart Association. Research Programs [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://professional.heart.org/en/research-programs
[2] American Heart Association. Life’s Essential 8 [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8
[3] American Heart Association. Hands-Only CPR [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr
[4] American Heart Association. Office of Health Equity [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/office-of-health-equity
[5] — American Heart Association. What We Do: AHA Social Impact Funds [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/aha-ventures/social-impact-funds/what-we-do
[6] American Heart Association. Tobacco Federal Priorities [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/advocate/federal-priorities/tobacco
[7] American Heart Association. School Meals and Nutrition Policy [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/advocate/federal-priorities/school-meals
[8] American Heart Association. Why Is Physical Activity So Important for Health and Wellbeing? [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/why-is-physical-activity-so-important-for-health-and-wellbeing
[9] American Heart Association. 2028 Impact Goal: Every Person Deserves the Opportunity for a Full, Healthy Life [Internet]. Dallas (TX): American Heart Association; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/2028-impact-goal
[10] CommunityHealth. About Us [Internet]. Chicago (IL): CommunityHealth; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://communityhealth.org/about/
[11] CommunityHealth. Patient Services [Internet]. Chicago (IL): CommunityHealth; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://communityhealth.org/patient-services/
[12] CommunityHealth. Volunteer Opportunities [Internet]. Chicago (IL): CommunityHealth; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://communityhealth.org/volunteer/
[13] CommunityHealth. Our Impact [Internet]. Chicago (IL): CommunityHealth; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://communityhealth.org/impact/
[14] CommunityHealth. Events and Programs [Internet]. Chicago (IL): CommunityHealth; [cited 2025 Jun 29]. Available from: https://communityhealth.org/events/
The Heart Doctor’s Kitchen is an independent, student-led project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Heart Association or CommunityHealth. Any references to these organizations are for informational and philanthropic purposes only.