The food farmacy receives 3 deliveries per month, amounting to approximately 3,500 pounds of food per delivery. In its first year, the food farmacy served over 3,000 families and distributed nearly 100,000 pounds of food. The food farmacy does not advertise to the general public because it is intended to serve patient families and income-eligible employees.
The food farmacy at Akron Children’s recently celebrated its 1-year anniversary providing essential nourishment to families struggling with food insecurity. Launched in January 2023, the food farmacy has served over 3,000 families and distributed nearly 100,000 pounds of food – allowing Akron Children’s to make a tangible difference in the lives of its patients and families.
According to Courtney Hudson, community outreach and education manager, the food farmacy isn’t just about providing food; it’s about building a healthier community where every family thrives.
“We order most of our food from the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank,” she said. “They’re a leader and great supporter, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
The food farmacy receives 3 deliveries per month, amounting to approximately 3,500 pounds of food per delivery. Summa Health and Cleveland Clinic Akron General, who also have food farmacies, collaborate with Akron Children’s via a grant from Ohio Department of Medicaid that the Foodbank oversees.
Recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, the food farmacy recently began sourcing specific items from Family Groceries in Akron’s North Hill area, thanks to additional grant funding from the Elevance Foundation.
“Jasmine rice, basmati rice, chana dal, soy sauce and rice noodles are among the most requested culturally specific foods,” said Courtney. “This commitment to inclusivity ensures everyone feels welcome and supported.”
Families are identified through referrals from ambulatory departments or simply by visiting the food farmacy’s convenient location on the second floor of the Considine building. Families can visit once per month and the goal is to help them identify food resources close to their home, so they don’t have to travel to the hospital on non-appointment days to receive food.
“It’s a choice pantry,” explained Courtney, “so families get to select the items they want, based on their preferences and family size. This empowers families to make informed choices and fosters a sense of dignity.”
The food farmacy also helped distribute over 254 pounds of fresh produce (including tomatoes, zucchini, gypsy peppers, chile peppers, beans, green bell peppers, banana peppers and cherry tomatoes) grown in the hospital’s Education and Wellness Garden, offering families access to healthy, local options.
The food farmacy helps distribute fresh produce grown in the hospital’s Education and Wellness Garden. Hospital volunteers, who serve families and restock food and other items, are vital to the daily operations of the food farmacy.
“The food farmacy will be expanding soon, offering more space to serve more families,” said Courtney. “The program’s impact is undeniable, as evidenced by the 13,000 individuals served and the positive feedback from families.”
While financial support is crucial, the food farmacy can’t accept food donations due to storage and safety regulations. Instead, Courtney suggests contributing through the text-to-give option or the Amazon Wish List.
With the Department of Medicaid grant set to expire at the end of the year, the food farmacy is working closely with the Foundation to obtain grants and donations to support continued operations.
“We are serving more families than projected and our numbers are increasing,” said Courtney. “The food farmacy is a shining example of how health care institutions can go beyond treating illnesses to address social determinants of health. By nourishing families and fostering community, we are building a healthier future for all.”
To donate money, click here. To purchase from the Amazon Wish List, visit this page.
