SSM Health understands that patients who experience food insecurity are more likely to be affected by chronic diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. That is why the hospital partners with multiple area food security organizations to improve overall access to nutritious food for people throughout the community.
 
“We know people need access to nutritious foods in order to maintain good health,” says Megan Timm, community health director for SSM Health in Wisconsin. “Unfortunately, we also know this is a struggle for many in our community.”
 
Over the past year, the hospital has contributed $22,500 to local food security groups including: Second Harvest’s Farm to Food Bank, REAP Food Group and the River Food Pantry.
 
In addition, the hospital has expanded its Emergency Food Program to now include patients being discharged from the hospital’s inpatient Behavioral Health unit. St. Mary’s Hospital – Madison began the program last year for patients being discharged from its Family Birth Suites.
 
The discharged patients are provided with shelf-stable, emergency groceries for their families and connections to local organizations for additional food access support. This year, more than 200 emergency food bags have been distributed to Madison-area patients.