Diabetes Food Chart Outreach Program

In 2009, Diabetes was the sixth leading cause of death in America, but
in the Rio Grande Valley and Texas, diabetes is the fourth leading cause
of death. Further, 1 in 6 patients admitted to Knapp has diabetes. The
Knapp Auxiliary recognized the seriousness of these statistics and has
responded by developing and supporting a nationally recognized, award-winning
program – the Diabetes Food Charts.
Here’s a summary of how this important service has developed over
the years.
- In 1996, the Knapp Auxiliary provided a $10,000 grant to develop Diabetes
and Renal Food Charts.
- Food charts being used at that time were inaccurate and not sensitive to
the cultural backgrounds and literacy levels of patients being served.
- In collaboration with the hospital’s Public Information and Nutrition
Service Departments, along with the Auxiliary President at the time, Bruce
Lime, two user-friendly, bilingual, four-color food charts were developed
and printed in 1997.
- The full-color charts were and are easy-to-use and help diabetes patients
understand how to make healthy food choices to better manage and control
their disease.
- Patients and dieticians responded very favorably.
- In 1997, Knapp dieticians suggested that the charts be sold to area facilities
– hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers – and the Auxiliary
Community Outreach Project was born.
- Mr. Lime has continued his personal interest in this project and has volunteered
hundreds of hours to expand the program’s reach state-wide and then
throughout the United States.
- Today, our Diabetes Food Charts are sold and used throughout the country
and have become a favorite teaching material for patients, dieticians
and diabetes educators.
- To date, some 75,000 Diabetes and Renal Food charts have been sold to dietitians
throughout the United States.
Recognition and Awards
Since first developed, the Knapp Diabetes and Renal Food Charts have been
recognized and have garnered state and national awards.
- 1998: Awarded the Past President’s Award from the Texas Association
of Hospital Auxiliaries
- 2000: Included in the Excellence in Community Service Award the Knapp Diabetes
Center received from the Texas Hospital Association
- 2000: Recipient of American Society of Directors of Volunteer Services
Extraordinary Program Award for Community Outreach
- 2010: American Hospital Association’s recognized Knapp as one of
only four hospitals in the United States with its coveted Hospital Award
for Volunteer Excellence (HAVE).