A new report from Feeding America says New York food banks are helping keep people healthy by making sure they have enough to eat.
The report tracks a three-year program involving 21 partners and details how nutrition and related health supports can improve overall health.
That includes the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, which partners with 10 healthcare groups and serves 23 counties, from the lower Hudson Valley to the Canadian border.
Samantha Monks, director of health and nutrition for the Regional Food Bank, said the idea of “food as medicine” is important to physical health.
“You’re already getting medical treatment or taking care of yourself in that way at the clinic, so this is just another piece of your medical care team,” Monks said. “You’re experiencing food insecurity, some housing barriers or some transportation barriers; a lot of that comes down to your overall health.”
The report says more than 5,000 people received food through the Regional Food Bank’s program. It found the effort led to a 45% reduction in overnight hospitalizations and helped 37% of patients improve their fruit and vegetable intake.
Monks said feedback on the Regional Food Bank’s partnerships has been positive. One way to expand them, she said, is by branching into other clinics at Saint Peter’s Health Partners. The food bank currently has a presence in the endocrine clinic and the diabetes cohort.
Monks cited other ways to increase access, including through Medicaid.
“We’re also participating in the Medicaid 1115 waiver, so that’s increasing access to more folks that are Medicaid beneficiaries now, and they can access those resources and services as well,” she said.
Monks said the program has shown local groups and partnerships are coming together around a common goal. By providing food for those who need it, she said, people are better able to take care of their whole selves because they have the tools to do so.
Edwin is a reporter and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He’s previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin got an early start in radio interning for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR’s Buffalo affiliate. In 2018, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Journalism, and in 2022, graduated from Syracuse University with an M.S. in Communications.