What's Happening?
The Agnesian HealthCare Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to support food-insecure patients at SSM Health St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac. This initiative, in partnership with the Fondy Food Pantry, aims to provide food bags to patients identified
as food insecure during hospital intake. The program is designed to ensure that patients have access to nutritious food after being discharged from the hospital. The initiative is part of SSM Health's broader efforts to address food insecurity, particularly among Medicare and Medicaid patients, by connecting them with necessary food resources. The program, which began as a pilot in 2024, serves approximately 80 to 110 patients annually, offering take-home food bags and other resources to those in need.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is significant as it addresses a critical social determinant of health—access to nutritious food. By providing food resources to patients identified as food insecure, the program aims to improve health outcomes and reduce hospital readmissions. Food insecurity can lead to poor health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and a higher burden on healthcare systems. By addressing this issue, the program not only supports individual patients but also contributes to the overall health of the community. The grant from the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation highlights the importance of community partnerships in tackling non-medical factors that impact health and well-being.
What's Next?
The program is expected to continue expanding, with efforts to strengthen referral pathways and community partnerships to reduce reliance on food bags. By connecting patients with local food pantries and resources, the initiative aims to provide more sustainable solutions to food insecurity. The ongoing support from the Agnesian HealthCare Foundation will be crucial in maintaining and growing the program's impact. As the program evolves, it may serve as a model for other healthcare institutions looking to address social determinants of health in their communities.
