In Terre Haute, Union Health has launched a new Food Locker Program to combat food insecurity in the Wabash Valley. This initiative provides emergency food bags to patients who are struggling to get enough to eat.
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in Vigo County, where 18.3% of residents lack reliable access to nutritious food. This statistic, reported by Feeding America in 2023, is 2.2% higher than the state average. Union Health aims to tackle this issue through various methods, including emergency food access and nutrition education.
The Food Locker will feature a 16-door system, enabling case managers to give emergency food bags to patients being discharged from the hospital. Brianna Love, a Perinatal Navigator at Union Health, emphasizes the emotional distress of discharging patients unsure of where their next meal will come from. She recently assisted a new mother who had been readmitted for postpartum complications, making sure her family received food bags to help ease their burden.
Jack Hill, COO of Union Health System, underscores the importance of food security as a significant social determinant of health. Many patients face greater recovery challenges when they struggle to access healthy food. Comprehensive support like this can make a real difference for families in need.
This program relies on strong partnerships with organizations such as the Lugar Center for Rural Health, the Anthem Foundation, and Catholic Charities of Terre Haute, among others. With funding from the Elevance Health Foundation, Union Health can provide essential resources to those in need, helping them not just recover from medical issues but thrive at home.
The program’s impact resonates with ongoing social concerns. A 2021 survey showed that food insecurity increased during the pandemic, affecting millions across the nation. Union Health’s initiative reflects a growing recognition of the link between health and access to food. Research indicates that patients with better access to nutrition often experience improved health outcomes.
As the program rolls out, community members can look forward to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 30 at Union Campus Building Two. This event will highlight the importance of local solutions to widespread problems, such as food insecurity.
In short, Union Health’s Food Locker Program is a transformative step toward ensuring that no one in the Wabash Valley has to leave the hospital hungry. For additional information, you can reach out to Heather Dalton Miklozek at 812-238-8163.