Preventive Food Pantry

By Jamie Cetrone | Categories: | Comments Off on Preventive Food Pantry

Boston Medical Center (BMC) created its Preventive Food Pantry in October 2001 to address hunger-related illnesses and malnutrition among its low-income patient population.  Shortly before the Pantry’s opening, a survey found that 1 in every 10 families served at BMC did not know where their next meal was coming from.  The Pantry first served Pediatrics and the Women’s Center, as children and pregnant moms were the target population. The other clinical areas were gradually added over a five-year period. It now serves patients from all departments at BMC who have a physician’s referral, a prescription for supplemental food that best promote physical health, prevent future illness, and facilitate recovery.

Striving solely on philanthropy, the Food Pantry provides food to approximately 7,000 people per month. It is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and families can visit twice per month. They receive three to four days’ worth of food each visit, based on their household sizes and dietary restrictions. A key feature is the provision of perishable foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, milk, cheese and eggs – items that are costly and therefore often lacking in a low-income family’s diet.

The Pantry works closely with the Greater Boston Food Bank, receiving an average of 15,000 pounds of food each week. It also benefits from partnerships with companies, local schools, churches and temples that donate food.

Recipient of the 2012 James W. Varnum National Quality Health Care Award, BMC’s food pantry has helped change the lives of many patients and families in a personal and dignified manner. This is evident in the pantry receiving a satisfaction rate of over 90 percent by its clients over the course of its existence.