BEND, Ore. – Saint Charles Health System is stepping up to help Central Oregonians get access to affordable, healthy food. They are providing grants to local organizations focused on tackling food insecurity in the area.
A recent survey found that 24% of respondents in Central Oregon indicated that better access to affordable healthy food would significantly improve their quality of life. This concern is even more critical than issues like affordable housing and living wage jobs, highlighting a growing need in the community.
Many people in the region struggle to find healthy food at prices they can afford. To combat this, Saint Charles plans to distribute thousands of dollars in grant funding over the next three years to community organizations that work specifically on improving access to nutritious options.
This initiative comes as part of a larger movement based on findings from the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, which saw a dramatic rise in concerns about food access compared to previous years. In the 2022 report, only 15% of participants prioritized healthy food access. This significant jump signals an urgent issue facing many families.
Carlos Salcedo, who manages community partnerships for Saint Charles, emphasizes the connection between food and community. “Food and community often go hand in hand. Sharing a meal can help bring people together and reduce feelings of loneliness,” he explains. “We’re excited to support projects that focus on these priorities.”
In addition to the grants, the health system is launching a new program called Fuel, targeted at helping patients diagnosed with malnutrition. Kelly Ornberg, who leads clinical nutrition services, explains, “Many of these patients find it hard to secure healthy food once they leave the hospital. This can lead to high readmission rates—about 11% within 30 days for malnourished patients.”
To help mitigate this, the Fuel program will provide patients with 30 days’ worth of shelf-stable supplements free of charge, along with follow-up support from outpatient dietitians. Ornberg anticipates they can assist about 500 patients across all four Saint Charles hospitals.
This initiative not only aims to improve individual health but also seeks to foster a sense of belonging in the community. By addressing both nutrition and social connections, Saint Charles is paving the way for a healthier, more integrated community.
For more information on this initiative, check the [Saint Charles Health System’s press release](https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TBewCG6oqvFwonYxs7hJIBRsGb?domain=stcharleshealthcare.org).
