Marshfield Medical Center, Eau Claire, 2021 Community Benefit

A Prescription for Better Health Through Food

Historically, health care hasn’t addressed what influences health in patients’ homes—but that’s changing.
Marshfield Clinic Health System’s Center for Community Health Advancement, along with Security Health Plan, is addressing diabetes through innovation, relationships and partnerships for a groundbreaking solution.
Instead of managing only diabetes symptoms, they’ve taken a “food as medicine” approach offering lifestyle coaching through Security Health Plan wellness coaches; meal kits; vouchers for milk, eggs and fresh produce; and cooking supplies.
Patients who have a diagnosis of diabetes and indicated a need for nutritious food are recruited from a 30-mile radius of Marshfield Clinic-Lake Hallie Center for the pilot program. 
The program has enrolled nearly 50 individuals and early feedback is positive.
One program participant stated: “You’ve been wonderful and very supportive. I like how you hold me accountable to doing what I need to do to take better care of myself.”
By providing individuals with healthy meals, education and support, they can experience improved health outcomes and an improvement in quality of life.