The Heimerdinger Foundation

The mission of The Heimerdinger Foundation is to provide organic, nutrient-dense meals, free of charge, to people in our community who are in cancer treatment and to raise awareness in our community about vital nutrition and nourishing meal preparation. Research shows that nearly 80% of cancer patients become malnourished as a result of treatment. Being poorly nourished worsens side effects, reduces the effectiveness of (or can stop) treatment, and lengthens recovery time once treatment ends. Since 2013, through its Meals 4 Health & Healing program, The Heimerdinger Foundation has served over 72,000 meals to people undergoing cancer treatment and to their caregivers, free of charge, in Davidson and Williamson Counties. In order to provide substantive support and nutrition for the duration of treatment, we deliver approximately eight weekly meals for up to six months for each family depending on the client’s treatment schedule and preferences. Our provision of nutrient-rich food throughout the course of treatment is a deep, committed partnership and serves a growing number of patients referred by and treated through our community cancer clinics. Meals 4 Health & Healing is integral to these clients’ cancer care through both tangible and intangible support of their nutrition and psychological needs. We also continually educate hundreds in the Nashville-area community, both teens and adults (family members and volunteers), about proper nutrition and how to prepare healthy meal options. Our Meals 4 Health & Healing program is the only program of its kind in our community. It directly offers nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory meals to patients fighting cancer during a time when eating right can make all the difference in countering side effects, improving treatment outcomes, and healing.