Virginia Mason addresses food insecurity

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) has initiated a comprehensive approach to combat food insecurity in the Puget Sound region, backed by a significant three-year, $500,000 grant from CommonSpirit Health. Key programs include medically tailored food boxes for patients with chronic illnesses, resulting in a remarkable 61% decrease in hospital admissions. Additionally, VMFH has launched an edible food recovery program to redirect surplus hospital food to local non-profits, successfully diverting over 1,600 pounds of food from landfills in its first year. The organization is also focused on enhancing the cultural relevance of food offerings through partnerships with over 40 local food banks. CEO Ketul J.

Patel emphasizes the critical nature of addressing social determinants of health, including food access, to foster healthier communities. Furthermore, VMFH is working to increase enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to ensure families have the resources they need for nutritious food. These initiatives have shown early success, with many patients reporting improved diet quality and reduced reliance on processed foods. Looking ahead, VMFH plans to expand its programs to meet the growing needs of the community.