When Leora Porter learned she was pre-diabetic four years ago, she felt scared and uncertain about her future. What started as a concerning diagnosis became the catalyst for a transformation. Leora would not only reverse her pre-diabetes, but, also shift how she honored her African American food traditions.
"It literally changed my life, because I am no longer pre-diabetic."
"I was told that I was pre-diabetic, and I didn't really know exactly what that meant, but I was scared," recalls Porter, a Cleveland Heights native and Community Housing Coordinator for Volunteers of America Indiana & Ohio. That's when Porter's nurse at the Cleveland Clinic introduced her to the Produce Prescription program (PRx). Porter was initially skeptical about the program. However, she found it to be a lifeline. "I didn't have very high hopes [about] just another program," she admits. "[But], it literally changed my life, because I am no longer pre-diabetic."
Tradition Gets a Fresh Overhaul
For Porter, the program became more than access to fresh produce. Soon, it was her bridge to reconnect with her cultural roots in healthier ways and become more involved in the community. Growing up, soul food was a Sunday staple in her household. The traditional recipes are heavy in sodium and smoked meats, which were taking a toll on her health.
"[Through PRx], I was taught that I can season my food without salt. I started using tomatoes and fresh garlic to season my collard greens, instead of the sodium and the smoked meat," Porter explains. The vendors at West Side Market, where she fills her 'prescriptions,' became her mentors for fresh cooking. "They see me coming now, and they know I'm going to ask a mountain of questions," she quipped.
Through these conversations, Porter learned to adapt beloved family recipes. Cabbage moved from the frying pan to the steamer, fried green tomatoes now crisp in the air fryer.
"I was just learning different ways to keep our traditional meals a bit healthier."
The Ripple Effect of Dignity and Choice
What struck Porter most was the dignity the program provided. Unlike standard food assistance, PRx allowed her to shop with autonomy, selecting fresh ingredients that aligned with her health goals, cultural preferences and taste buds.
"I felt like it gave me the tools to fight back."
"The dignity of going out to get fresh vegetables on your own and just shop and create meals," she reflects. "I felt in control. I didn't feel like I was just waiting for diabetes. I felt like it gave me the tools to fight back."
The program's impact extended beyond Porter's own plate. She began sharing large salads with family members and pouring her new knowledge back into her community. Her children now know to seek out fresh produce at various markets throughout Cleveland, creating a generational shift in how her family approaches food.
Beyond the Prescription: Building Community Knowledge
Porter particularly valued the program's comprehensive approach. Monthly virtual cooking tutorials from Cleveland Clinic's Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center and seasonal newsletters with recipes and cooking guides helped her stay consistent. "I learned to know when what vegetables and fruits were in season," she notes. "I never knew any of this before."
These resources, combined with her regular visits to the West Side Market, expanded her culinary horizons. She discovered artichokes for the first time and learned about nutritional yeast, which is now a favorite popcorn topping that adds natural flavor and protein.
A Model for Cultural Food Justice
Porter's journey illustrates how effective produce prescription programs can honor cultural traditions while promoting health. Rather than abandoning their food heritage, PRx empowers patients to elevate it.
"I'm sad because something like that was not accessible for me growing up," she reflects, thinking about how the program could have impacted her family's health sooner. But her focus remains forward-looking: "Sign me up for this again! I can't [say] enough about the program. It literally gave me back life."
For Porter, the program represents community resilience, cultural preservation, and the fundamental right to nutritious food prepared with dignity and choice. Her advice to potential participants reflects this understanding: "Be serious about it," she urges, emphasizing the importance of meal planning and community sharing to prevent waste and maximize impact.
Today, Porter's Sunday dinners still celebrate her African American heritage, but now they nourish her family in ways that honor both tradition and health. Her powerful experience is a testament to what's possible when food access programs recognize culture as medicine, too.
reach@case.edu