St. Joseph’s Health to use $500K grant for a Food Farmacy program

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation grant program aims to support individuals and families that are “at-risk or underserved.” Food insecurity is a measure of the unavailability of food and individuals’ ability to access it.

St. Joseph’s Health cites data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that indicates more than 35 million Americans lived in households that were considered food insecure during 2019. Poor nutrition is a root cause of many chronic diseases, St. Joseph’s Health.

“We’re excited to implement the Food Farmacy because it will allow us to better support patients who have uncontrolled diabetes by providing them with healthy food as part of their treatment plan,” Deb Mendzef, Food Farmacy coordinator at St. Joseph’s Health. “The program helps eliminate barriers to good health by educating patients about the benefits of eating healthy and then providing the healthy food they need to get started on a path to wellness.”

About the program

In the first year of operation, clinicians at St. Joseph’s Primary Care Center-Main will refer patients to the program.

Once enrolled, the patients will take part in a program where they will receive nutritional counseling from a registered dietitian; participate in diabetes self-management classes with St. Joseph’s Family Medicine resident physicians. A hospital pharmacist will also provide medication-management support.

“Most importantly,” participants will also receive, “at no cost,” fresh and healthy food (including recipes) for two meals per day, five days per week, for the entire time they participate in the program.

Thee meals are not only provided for the participant, but the other members in their household (up to six individuals, including the patient).

“Food insecurity is a predictor of health and is linked to many chronic diseases. We are proud that we will be able to ensure that these patients, and their family members, have the resources necessary to provide a quality and healthy diet,” Mendzef said.

About Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

The nonprofit Mother Cabrini Health Foundation says it works to “improve the health and well-being of the vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services.”

The foundation — named in memory of a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the poor — provides “flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance” health and wellness across New York State.