Expanding Access to
Healthy Youth Nutrition
in Southern California
A 20-day daily intervention delivering low-glycemic, whole-food snacks to 50,000 at-risk youth across Southern California — through schools, nonprofits, and community programs.
50K
At-Risk Youth Served
1M
Total Servings
20
Days of Daily Access
Designed for Measurable Impact
Sustained energy throughout program hours
Mid-day crashes and hunger-related disruptions
Focus, participation and cognitive engagement
Long-term diabetes risk through metabolic stability
The Problem
Nutrition Inequity Is Driving
Long-Term Health Outcomes
Access — not awareness — is the core issue. Limited access to healthy food, high-sugar daily environments, and early dietary habits are driving lifelong metabolic risk, including Type 2 diabetes and reduced insulin sensitivity in teens.
1 in 5
Youth Face Food Insecurity
Millions of young people lack reliable access to nutritious meals, creating a foundation for poor health outcomes.
1 in 3
Youth Face Metabolic Risk
High-sugar, low-fiber environments lead to blood sugar spikes, energy crashes, and reduced cognitive performance.
100K+
At Elevated Risk in San Diego
Over 500,000 students in the county, ~60% qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch, and 30%+ face overweight or obesity risk.
The Solution
A Daily, Low-Glycemic
Nutrition Intervention
One snack per day, per youth — delivered through existing programs. Shelf-stable, portion-controlled, and clinically designed for sustained energy.
Whole-Food Snacks
Nutritious, plant-based products delivering measurable energy and focus benefits in youth programs.
Simple Daily Distribution
Shelf-stable, ready-to-eat snacks that remove prep and refrigeration barriers for any program site.
Portion Controlled
Pre-portioned to prevent waste and manage calorie intake for optimal daily nutrition.
Balanced for Blood Sugar
Low-glycemic design supports steady glucose levels and prevents energy crashes that affect concentration.
Program Credentials
ADA Better Choices for Life Designated
Snacks meet American Diabetes Association nutrition standards for blood-sugar-friendly choices.
USDA Smart Snack Compliant
Meets the federal USDA Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards for foods sold during the school day.
Shelf-Stable — No Refrigeration Needed
Removes prep, refrigeration, and cold-chain barriers at any program site.
250+ Food & Beverage Partners
Established supplier network ensures consistent product availability.
100+ Nonprofit Agency Partners
Distributed through trusted organizations already serving at-risk youth.
Daily On-Site Services
Hand-to-hand distribution at schools, community centers, and youth programs.
Who We Serve
Reaching Youth Where They Already Are
Teen Health serves vulnerable populations across multiple pathways — strengthening outcomes through consistent, reliable nutrition access.
Vulnerable Youth
Youth ages 13–18 facing food insecurity, housing instability, or limited access to daily support.
Foster Care
Youth ages 12–18 in foster care who need stable nutrition, support, and a reliable foundation.
System-Impacted
Teens and young adults (13–24) exiting the justice system who benefit from structure and stability.
Schools
Students in Special Ed or with mental health challenges who benefit from consistent nutrition.
Cost + ROI
A High-Impact, Cost-Efficient
Prevention Model
Early intervention significantly reduces long-term cost burden. Phase 1 collects reach, adherence, engagement, and health impact metrics.
$40
Per Child
Covers the full 20-day intervention — all-inclusive with no additional implementation costs.
$2M
Total Phase 1
Full funding for 50,000 youth across 10–30+ distribution sites over 20 days.
20
Daily Servings Per Youth
Consistent daily exposure — not one-time consumption. Consistency drives outcomes.
$40
per child for prevention
$10,000+
annually per diabetes patient for treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Youth Nutrition Initiative cost per child?
$40 covers the full 20-day intervention for one youth — all-inclusive, with no additional implementation costs for partners or schools.
What does the $40 per child include?
It covers all 20 daily snack servings, distribution logistics, and program implementation. There are no separate setup, equipment, or per-site fees.
How does the cost of prevention compare to treating diabetes?
$40 per youth for prevention versus $10,000+ annually per patient for ongoing Type 2 diabetes treatment — a roughly 250× cost differential.
How many youth does the Phase 1 program serve?
Phase 1 reaches 50,000 at-risk youth across Southern California through 10–30+ distribution sites over 20 days, with $2M in total funding.
What kinds of foods does the program provide?
Plant-based, low-glycemic snacks designed for sustained energy and blood-sugar stability — all ADA Better Choices for Life designated and USDA Smart Snack compliant.
Scale
From Community Initiative to
Scalable Prevention Model
Phase 1 represents a repeatable intervention model designed to scale through programs like Medi-Cal and managed care.
Community Deployment
50,000 at-risk youth across Southern California. Daily distribution through existing school and nonprofit partner sites.
Population Health Expansion
Scale through Medi-Cal, managed care, and broader healthcare system integration across California.
2.5–3.5M+
Youth at elevated metabolic risk statewide in California
Get Involved
A Unique Opportunity to Lead in Preventative Nutrition
We're seeking mission-aligned partners to launch and scale this initiative. We would welcome the opportunity to explore next steps together.
Teen Health Inc. and the NUI Foundation are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Contributions to this program may be tax-deductible as allowed by law.