Community Health & Hunger

Community Health & Hunger

Lack of adequate nutrition can worsen chronic conditions such as Type II diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, and can prevent people from successfully managing their health. Through our Community Health and Hunger Program, the Food Bank partners with healthcare providers to connect food insecure patients with community resources and the food they need to live healthier lives. 

To learn more, contact Laura Vinal: lvinal@gsfb.org

How does it work?

Good Shepherd Food Bank provides training to healthcare partners interested in implementing the Hunger Vital Signs™ Food Insecurity Screening questions as part of routine patient visits. The Food Bank can also provide healthcare partners with pre-packed emergency food bags for direct and immediate distribution to those who identify as food insecure. These bags, purchased by the healthcare center for $10 each and provided to patients at no cost, can provide 2-3 days of nutritious shelf-stable food to patients struggling to manage a chronic illness.

An almost empty bowl of soup held by a patron.

Each healthcare partner is also provided with a list of local emergency food access points to offer to patients that screen positive for food insecurity. In addition, the Food Bank works closely with local partner agencies to make sure they have enough healthy food on hand to serve community members who are referred there from healthcare partners. 

Bags of apples at a pantry partner.

Community Health and Hunger Partner Portal

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