Food is Medicine Program – A Holistic Approach to Healthcare
At the intersection of food security and healthcare lies the Food is Medicine program, a collaborative effort that combines the expertise of food banks with the reach of healthcare facilities. The program ensures that individuals not only receive medical care but also the nutrition they need to lead healthier lives.
The Food is Medicine program is a resource embedded within healthcare appointments to meet food insecure individuals where they are. When patients visit a participating healthcare partner, they are assessed for various social determinants of health, including food security. If a patient screens positive for food insecurity, they are given the option to enroll in the Food is Medicine program. This enrollment process is straightforward, beginning with completing a registration form during their healthcare visit.
Before the conclusion of their appointment, patients receive a 15-pound bag of shelf-stable, health-forward foods to address their immediate nutritional needs. This initial assistance is just the beginning. Inside each bag, patients will find a flyer connecting them to our SNAP outreach coordinator, who can assist them in applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, information on how to access one of our local food pantries ensures they will receive regular food assistance.
Since its inception at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Food is Medicine has seen remarkable growth and success. Launched three years ago, the program finished its first year in 2022 with 18 healthcare partners. Today, we are partnered with 54 healthcare facilities across the region, expanding our reach and impact.
By the end of 2023, the program had distributed 3,053 boxes of food, a number that has already been surpassed this year, with more growth anticipated as the program continues to evolve. In the first seven months of 2024 alone, the program has served 3,519 clients, averaging 531 individuals monthly.
Looking ahead, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Impact department remains committed to staying relevant and responsive to the evolving field of healthcare in an effort to continue to improve Food is Medicine. Research and development efforts are ongoing as the team explores new partnerships and innovative ways to enhance the program’s impact.
By addressing food insecurity within the context of healthcare, the program offers a comprehensive solution that empowers individuals to live healthier, more nourished lives.
Learn more about our nutrition programs here.
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