Food is medicine. When people have access to the groceries they need to manage chronic health conditions, they feel better and live healthier lives. But nutritious food can often be too expensive or out of reach. That’s why we are growing our partnerships with health providers across the region to bring healthy food directly where patients receive care.
We recently celebrated the opening of a new food pharmacy at Unity Health Care’s Anacostia Health Center in Ward 8. This is the second of two food pharmacies we’re operating with Unity, joining a location at the healthcare provider’s East of the River location. The program will support older adults 65 and older managing pre-diabetes, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity.
At the food pharmacy, fridges are stocked with vibrant produce, from leafy greens like kale to bright orange bell peppers, as well as eggs and dairy to complete balanced meals. The shelves feature pantry items that are high in fiber and low in sodium and sugar, all selected to help patients manage their conditions and build healthier eating habits. Recipe cards and produce guides are also available, helping participants make the most of what they receive and discover new ways to use ingredients.
One of the first clinic patients selected as a food pharmacy participant share her excitement: “There are so many things here that I already love to cook with.”
As Mieka Wick CEO of the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, whose generous support made this food pharmacy possible, shared:
“We know that access to high-quality food can treat and prevent chronic disease. We are elevating food to its rightful place as a critical component of healthcare.”
The Anacostia food pharmacy builds on our broader Food Is Medicine efforts to improve health through access to nutritious food, expanding the reach and impact of this vital work.
Photo Credit: Maansi Srivastava for Capital Area Food Bank