Butler Health System will receive $268,000 through congressionally directed funding from U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., through Senate 2022 appropriation bills.

The money is specifically going toward the health system’s Food Institute program, to provide lifestyle coaching to patients in their rural communities. The funding this fiscal year is being allocated to 14 projects around southwestern Pennsylvania focused on infrastructure.

Other funding recipients include Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority, Literacy Pittsburgh and Catalyst Connection.

“I’m pleased to advance this critical funding for projects that support infrastructure, workforce development programs, community health initiatives and more,” Casey said in a news release. “As we build back better, these investments will help revitalize communities across southwestern Pennsylvania.”

The Food Institute was established earlier this year to give everyone a way to stay healthy by learning about and eating healthier foods. It specializes in healthy eating for the whole family, meal planning and preparing healthy recipes on a budget, according to a news release on the BHS website.

Ingredients and cooking instructions for 10 meals are provided each month. Participants will also be linked to additional services to manage chronic disease through lifestyle coaching and community resources to improve overall health.

People can learn more about the Food Institute by calling 724-284-4504.