Q1 2026: Plants for People
The Gregory J. Reiter Memorial Fund made two grants in the first quarter of 2026, to increase healthy plant-based food access for vulnerable communities.
1 – This quarter’s grant to longtime partner Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine was inspired in particular by two of the organization’s many programs:
- Nearly 20 years of partnership with the Navajo Nation to tackle disproportionately high rates of type 2 diabetes — emphasizing a return to traditional diets with ingredients like corn, beans and squash.
- Healthy Food Makes Cents classes that prioritize underserved audiences — emphasizing foods that are healthy, budget-friendly and accessible, to help address the gap between rising costs and declining social support programs.
2 – This quarter’s grant to A Well-Fed World was inspired by its Feeding Equity Fund, particularly its partnerships with the Twin Cities Vegan Chef Collective and other St. Paul and Minneapolis groups delivering Shelter in Place Grocery Packs to vulnerable neighbors trapped at home.
“For animal and plant-based advocates,” says A Well-Fed World’s founder, “supporting human rights movements is a win-win. When communities experience plant‑based nourishment as part of their own work, it strengthens the understanding that justice for humans and justice for animals are interconnected.”
Thanks to The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (Harrisburg, PA), one of the earliest U.S. community foundations, which has served as this Fund’s manager since New Year 2022.