United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut has launched a pioneering partnership with Project FoodBox to bring medically-tailored food boxes to young children across Danbury. Funded in part by a $50,000 CT Grown for CT Kids grant from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the program focuses on children ages 0–5 and marks a shift toward precision nutrition in early childhood healthcare.

Unlike traditional food pantries, Project FoodBox uses a medically tailored grocery model where registered dietitians assess children’s needs and curate weekly deliveries. Each box contains roughly 10 pounds of Connecticut-grown produce, designed to meet specific developmental milestones.

“This partnership represents a revolutionary approach to early childhood nutrition,” said Isabel Almeida, President and CEO at United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. “Instead of simply providing access to food, we're ensuring that every child receives the tailored nutritional support they need during these critical developmental years.”

“By partnering with community-based organizations, health care systems, food banks, and family farms that share our mission, we've seen firsthand the difference this approach can make,” said Steve Brazeel, Founder and CEO at Project FoodBox.

The program’s expansion includes 1,200 biweekly food boxes delivered across 25 family childcare programs over four months.

“The children are more excited about trying new vegetables, and parents are learning alongside their kids,” said Elizabeth Quiñonez, United Way Senior Director of Early Childhood Initiatives. “This program is changing how entire families think about nutrition.”

“By focusing on precision nutrition from the earliest ages, we're setting these children up for healthier lives,” added Annie Huber, MS, RD, CSR, of Project FoodBox.