Episcopal Health Foundation is partnering with 12 community collaboratives representing 29 counties to kickoff the 2025–26 Collaborating for Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) cohort. For the first time, every collaborative in the cohort will focus on one or more of EHF’s Priorities for Change: maternal health, food and nutrition security, or diabetes prevention.
CHCI is a year-long, capacity-building program that accelerates the effectiveness of local collaboratives and coalitions working to improve health where people live, learn, work, and play. Collaboratives in the program receive coaching, technical assistance, and financial support to improve their collaborative process and practices. They also join a cohort of peers that share ideas, test new strategies, and connect them to others facing similar challenges.
The Houston Food Bank’s Departments, Community Health and Community Engagement, are participating in Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) 2025 – 2025 Collaboration for Healthy Communities Initiative, which highlights local solutions in maternal health, food and nutrition security, and diabetes prevention.
BOND – Babies and Mothers: Outreach for Nutrition and Development
Mission: To break down barriers and ensure access to nutritious food and wraparound care for mothers and their infants, ensuring all families across Texas, regardless of their circumstances and background, are positioned to thrive from the very beginning.
Priorities for Change: Maternal Health, Food & Nutrition Security
Backbone Organization: Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University
Collaborative Partners:
Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University
Houston Food Bank
Local Infant Formula for Emergencies (LIFE) Houston