SULLIVAN AND ORANGE COUNTIES, NY — Garnet Health will partner with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to expand the Food Farmacy program, reaching more Garnet Health patients affected by food insecurity. 

In Sullivan County, 11.5 percent of the population lives with food insecurity; in Orange County, the figure is 9.8.

In early 2023, Garnet Health established the Food Farmacy program as a way to help patients who screened as food insecure to receive food upon discharge from any of the three Garnet Health hospitals.

Qualifying patients receive three days’ worth of food that is customized to their dietary needs. For example, a discharged patient with diabetes might receive a different food package than a cardiac patient. 

Patients who qualify will receive the appropriate canned and dry foods, as well as personal hygiene items and educational and resource information.

“We are so grateful for the support that our Garnet Health family has provided to get us to this point. We are pleased to partner with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to continue to provide an exceptional patient care experience by providing diet-friendly packages to our patients in need,” said Jonathan Schiller, Garnet Health president and CEO.

“Our mission at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is not just to feed our neighbors in need, but to provide them with healthy and nutritious food,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “Partnerships like this with Garnet Health are instrumental in helping food-insecure neighbors with chronic diseases experience improved health and peace of mind.”

Donations supporting the Food Farmacy come from Garnet Health’s community health department, the Nursing Community Committee, volunteer services, food services, Patient Access and from Garnet Health staff. 

Partnering with the Regional Food Bank means Garnet Health can reach even more patients, sending them home with the nourishment needed to help them heal, a spokesperson said.

“Discharging patients with food is like sending them home with their medicine or spare dressings for their wounds,” said Moira Mencher, director of strategic planning and community relations, Garnet Health. “Food is a very important part of a person’s healing. Providing a patient with a couple of days of food and other resources reduces the stress of looking for their next meal or a ride to find one.”

To learn more about Garnet Health, visit www.garnethealth.org.