(MAY 8, 2024) WCAX-TV reported on UVM Medical Center’s efforts to promote accessible, healthy food for all Vermonters.

The UVM Medical Center has been running a food bank for qualifying patients in the Children’s Specialty Center since 2016, and they say they’ve seen a huge increase in the number of patients and families who end up needing the service. In 2022 alone, they helped 625 families. Occupational and physical therapists are trained to give suggestions to help patients cook and access fuller meals, even with injuries.

“It opens up the door, it opens up a conversation and it builds a relationship for further support in the future. Because typically if families are struggling with food, there are other areas in their lives that they’re struggling with, too,” said Christine Prior, a social worker who oversees the effort.

The conversation continues outside the hospital’s walls. Vermont’s 2023 Farm-to-Plate Report shows that cost is the biggest barrier to buying fresh vegetables. It also shows that nearly 40% of Vermonters would be interested in participating in a “food is medicine” program if they had one in their community.

The team at UVM says this model is starting to develop throughout the state in primary care offices. Officials also hope to expand programming to other hospitals.