‘Food pharmacy’ opens in Ohio to help prevent food insecurity

ProMedica, a locally-owned, nonprofit health system operating in Ohio and Michigan, has launched its first food pharmacy to help patients who lack access to healthy foods, according to a press release.

“Food insecurity is often associated with chronic health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. Many researchers are taking a closer look at the link between malnutrition and mental illness,” Chloe Plummer, clinical dietitian, ProMedica, said in a press release.

Patients of ProMedica who are found to be food insecure will receive food prescriptions used to supplement their overall treatment plan, according to the press release.

Fresh produce, dairy and meat, along with frozen and canned products are all available at the full-service grocery food pharmacy. Additionally, in 2016, the pharmacy will offer a teaching kitchen and community programs, such as health resources, financial literacy and job training programming, according to ProMedica’s website.

ProMedica has aimed to make hunger seen as a national health issue since 2013, along with bringing to light the issues of food insecurity and the availability of healthy and affordable food choices in underserved communities, according to the release.

Food insecurity affects nearly 14% of households in the United States, with nearly 7.9 million children lacking access to enough food in 2014, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all pediatricians screen patients for food insecurity, as it could lead to elevated risks for adverse health, slower recovery rates and poor school performance.