About this episode:

Connecting community members with nutritious foods can also open the door to other resources for improving wellbeing, from nutrition education to legal services to housing support. In this episode: Devonne Franklin and Shikera Shelton of the Y in Central Maryland talk about the organization's Fresh Mart program and how providing a good meal opens the door to improving community health outcomes.

Guests:

Devonne Franklin is the executive director of community and associate wellbeing at the Y in Central Maryland.

Shikera Shelton is a member of the community health team at the Y in Central Maryland and manager of the Fresh Mart in Druid Hill.

Host:

Dr. Josh Sharfstein is distinguished professor of the practice in Health Policy and Management, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department.

Show links and related content:

• Y Fresh Mart: Reliable Access to Healthy Food—Y in Central Maryland

• Get Involved—Y in Central Maryland

• What is Prediabetes—Public Health On Call (April 2026)

• Hidden Food Insecurity: The Adolescents Who Aren't Getting Enough to Eat—Public Health On Call (March 2024)

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