Food insecurity is a critical issue impacting many people in the Greater Boston communities, including those served by Whittier Street Health Center. It refers to the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the ‘Food is Medicine’ program (Food is Medicine: A Project to Unify and Advance Collective Action | health.gov) which renewed national attention and issued a call to action to end hunger and reduce the prevalence of chronic disease in the United States by 2030.

Food insecurity is harmful to health because it can lead to poor dietary choices, undernutrition, and a higher risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity; The Journal of American Medical Association found that more that 50% of deaths from stroke, heart ailments and type II diabetes were correlated with poor nutrition.

When individuals and families cannot regularly access nutritious foods, they often resort to cheaper, less healthy options that are high in sugars, fats, and sodium. Over time, this can result in nutritional deficiencies and exacerbate existing health conditions, leading to more severe health outcomes and increased healthcare needs. Addressing food insecurity is therefore vital for improving overall health and preventing the development of chronic illnesses.

Our Prescription For Health program is at the heart of this approach. Each patient is assigned a dedicated Care Team that creates a personalized care plan addressing all aspects of their well-being—medical, dental, visual, behavioral, and social needs. This comprehensive care model focuses on prevention, stress reduction, and fostering positive behaviors to enhance overall wellness. By targeting lifestyle changes and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, we aim to prevent health crises and reduce unnecessary Emergency Department visits.

Food insecurity is a significant challenge for many of our patients. To address this, we have implemented various food access programs. These include our on-site WIC Nutrition Program, the Fairfoods food recovery program offering affordable produce, and our Community Garden, which provides fresh, harvested produce through our Garden Club. We also have an onsite teaching kitchen managed by Whittier’s Registered Dietitian.

Our Food Pantry, launched in 2018, plays a crucial role in our efforts. It provides a reliable source of nutritious food, with each monthly food bag meeting USDA standards and including a variety of food groups which are culturally sensitive. Although anyone in need is welcome to access Whittier’s food pantry, patients identified as food insecure during their visits receive a Prescription for Groceries which helps ensure they have access to healthy food options. Each month, Whittier supports over 1,500 households with almost 5,000 food bags.

By integrating food access programs into our comprehensive care model, Whittier Street Health Center is not only addressing immediate nutritional needs but also working towards long-term health improvements for our community.