State leaders, including Del. Ellen Campbell and Sen. Creigh Deeds, visited The Augusta Health Food Pantry, a Food Pharmacy location of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
Their visit allowed them the opportunity to see how partnerships between healthcare providers and food banks can improve health outcomes by increasing access to nutritious food. The Food Pharmacy, a collaboration between Augusta Health and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, addresses food insecurity, a key social determinant of health. During the tour, officials discussed the program’s impact and explored future expansion.
“Elected officials play a critical role in supporting policies that strengthen food security and health equity,” Dr. Clint Merritt, CPE of Augusta Health, said. “Through our partnership with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, we enable our patients, employees and communities to choose healthier food options and access nutrient-rich foods more easily.”
Launched in 2021, the Augusta Health Food Pantry, a Food Pharmacy location of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, provides patients with medically tailored food through referrals from healthcare providers, helping them prevent and better manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Augusta Health’s Food Pantry obtains most of its fresh produce from the Farm at Augusta Health.
“We’re ensuring food insecurity is recognized and treated as a public health issue,” Michael McKee, CEO of Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, said. “This partnership is making a real difference for families across the region.”
The visit underscored the need for policy support to bridge healthcare and food access, fostering healthier communities across Virginia.
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Rebecca Barnabi
