Advocate Health Care’s Healthy Living Food Farmacy helped nearly 100 patients treated at Advocate South Suburban Hospital for nutrition-related illnesses recently during their bi-weekly Farmacy food distribution at a Homewood-based church.
Patients receiving care at Advocate Health with nutrition-related illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes, are referred to the Food Farmacy by their physician. Twice a month, over 160 patients receive fresh fruit and vegetables through the program, based out of Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest and Advocate Trinity Hospital in Calumet Heights.
With the goal to provide food-insecure patients and their families with enough food to make a nutritious meal, patients received a whole chicken for added protein aside from their regular care package of fresh fruits and vegetables. All goodies were packed in a recyclable shopping bag with a special holiday note of cheer – all carried to their waiting cars by 32 volunteers of Old National Bank in Hickory Hills.
“With food costs spiraling, achieving nutritional equity is a greater challenge than it was even a year ago,” said Bob Kelly, director of business banking at Old National Bank. “Old National is proud to work with an organization on the front lines helping those at greatest risk from food insecurity.”
Old National Bank gave an extra dose of generosity with a $15,000 donation to the Advocate Charitable Foundation, expanding the Healthy Living Food Farmacy initiative to include 50 more patients and helping support upcoming Food Farmacy pop-up events to the local public.
“The Healthy Living Food Farmacy program greatly improves access to nutritious foods in food-insecure communities. This holiday season, the program will help even more patients, in addition to the broader community, thanks to the generous contributions from Old National Bank,” said Elizabeth Freyer, director of development, Advocate South Suburban and Advocate Trinity Hospitals.
Sabrina Gaines is among those using this access to better her health. Diagnosed with pre-diabetes in 2019, her physician referred her to the Food Farmacy. She also enrolled in a year-long Diabetes Prevention Program, where patients receive education and support promoting healthy lifestyle changes. Since enrolling in both programs, Sabrina has modified her diet by incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables and increased her daily activity through exercise, which has resulted in her losing 22 pounds and lowering her AIC without assistance from medication. Sabrina says she’s grateful for the program as it not only teaches patients how to live well, but also provides them with the resources to be successful.
Food Farmacy is yet another step towards Advocate Health Care’s commitment to prioritize health equity gaps in Chicago’s Southland communities. The program launched in 2018 at Advocate Trinity Hospital, before expanding a year ago to Advocate South Suburban Hospital, thanks to partnerships with Michuda Construction, the Ackermann Foundation and Mi-Jack Products.
“The Food Farmacy gives our patients access to healthier food choices without worrying about the cost, which has helped improve their health and address food insecurity. We think of the program as ‘Food as Medicine,” said Melinda Harville, community health team lead for the Food Farmacy program.
How you can help
The Food Farmacy relies on charitable gifts from individuals and organizations like Old National Bank to provide food to patients in need and their families. To make a difference in your community, please donate today.