Q&A: Starting a food insecurity program

January 22, 2020
Medicare Web

Q: My organization is interested in starting a program to address food insecurity among patients in our community. What factors should we consider when forming the program? 

A: It’s no secret that access to healthy foods can improve outcomes for patients who are dealing with chronic illnesses.

Look no further than the efforts of the Steele Institute for Innovation at Geisinger in Danville, Pennsylvania. Their pilot program — a food pantry for six patients dealing with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes — has expanded over the course of three years to include a total of 400 patients.

The program allows patients to visit weekly to “shop” the pantry for enough healthy food to last their families the week. It also gives them the chance to meet with a registered nurse, dietitian, and community assistant who can help them through health-related issues, according to Michelle Passaretti, MSN, BSN, RN, CCM, senior director of innovations at the Steele Institute for Innovation at Geisinger.

If you are hoping to build a similarly successful food pantry program, consider the following critical elements:

  • Dedicated volunteers. Of course, paid members of the staff team are instrumental, but passionate volunteers can pitch in to help the program grow and thrive.
  • Grants. Financial support will go a long way in helping to create a sustainable program.
  • Strong ties with community organizations. As Passaretti noted, Geisinger’s program experienced success in part because it was able to partner with other organizations within the community.
  • Data tracking. Be sure to keep detailed records to monitor the progress of your patients.

For more information, see Case Management Monthly.