Prescription for Healthy Food
The link between food and health is well established. In terms of economic burden, obesity and diabetes cost the U.S. hundreds of billions a year. Whereas 15% of the U.S. population is food insecure, 47% of inpatients at The General are food insecure. For low-income families, like those served at The General, maintaining a healthy diet is often at odds with economic demands to merely survive and maintain adequate food, clothing, and shelter. Food insecurity is associated with higher rates of hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The Therapeutic Food Pantry will address the disproportionately high need for food assistance among The General’s patients with the ultimate goal of improving health [...]