While there are many causes of food insecurity, the most common are un- or under-employment, poverty, lack of access to SNAP/food assistance programs, and medical or health costs. Pre-pandemic, Buffalo was recognized as the third poorest major city in the country with more than one-third of its residents living at or below the federal poverty line.

“Proper nutrition is a cornerstone to the overall health of our patients as well as preventative care for those with food insecurities in our community,” said Joyce Markiewicz, Executive Vice President/Chief Business Development Officer for Catholic Health. “The addition of the Food FARMacy at the Hub provides a much needed resource that will enable us to offer a more holistic approach to care for patients and their families.”

In line with its mission of providing accessible food to the WNY community, a dietician from FeedMore WNY will work with Sisters Health Center patients to help educate them on proper nutrition and to assess their ongoing health relative to desired outcomes. Area residents and students who are in-need will be able to get the same full service offerings from the Food FARMacy, but must opt-in to participate in programming, which includes working with a FeedMore WNY dietician.

“Hunger and health are interconnected, and we know that food insecurity impacts health status, including putting individuals at greater risk for chronic diseases,” Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, said. “We are proud to partner with Catholic Health and D’Youville College on this innovative program that will provide access to nutritious food and comprehensive services so our vulnerable neighbors can improve and maintain good health.”

D’Youville College graduate assistants completing studies in Nutrition and Dietetics will assist with scheduling, follow up calls, order fulfillment, health tracking, nutrition education and more.

“The Food FARMacy is a shining example of the type of collaboration we envisioned when founding our Health Professions Hub,” said Lorrie A. Clemo, PhD, D’Youville President. “We are thrilled to be part of such an important partnership that has come together to meet a pressing community need.”

The funds for this project were made possible through a generous two year grant from UnitedHealthcare’s Empowering Health commitment to expand access to care and address social determinants of health for underserved communities and uninsured individuals. To date, the Empowering Health program has invested more than $40 million in grants across the country since its launch in 2018, including $1 million this year in New York. Other funders include the Vogt Family Foundation, EPIC and the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition.

In year one, the Food FARMacy anticipates serving approximately 2,000 individuals; 1,000 patients through Food FARMacy referrals, and 800 walk-in community members. The first phase of the Food FARMacy, launching fall 2021, will include the distribution of healthy food and supportive educational sessions followed by additional programming.