Nourishing Futures: How You’re Helping Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Fight Food Insecurity
The reality of food insecurity in the U.S. is a stark one: 1 in 8 children, more than 9 million young lives, face inconsistent access to enough food to thrive. The ripple effects on their health are significant, with increased risks of obesity, developmental delays, and mental health struggles.
At Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals), we’re committed to ensuring every child receives the best possible care, and that includes access to nutrition. That’s why we are working tirelessly to combat food insecurity, ensuring every child has the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
Children’s Hospitals Play a Critical Role
It’s not commonly known that children’s hospitals play a key role in improving health outcomes for children. However, they have a unique relationship with patients and families. Through dedicated programs and resources, children’s hospitals are working to offset food insecurity needs in their communities.
In 2022 alone, our member hospitals invested over $17 million in innovative food insecurity programs.
A few examples how member children’s hospitals support food security through programs and resources:
- In Baton Rouge, LA, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital connects families with “Geaux Get Healthy,” offering screenings, cooking classes, and vital resources.
- In Salinas, CA, Salinas Valley Health Medical Center addresses food insecurity through its “Healthy Lifestyles” program, including a Food Pharmacy.
- In Grand Rapids, MI, Corewell Health Helen Devos Children’s Hospital provides “Family Kitchen Rx,” a culinary medicine program for families facing food insecurity and obesity.
- In Cleveland, OH, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospitals offers healthy foods and nutrition education, even providing a summer meal program for kids.
- In Atlanta, GA, Children’s Hospital of Atlanta‘s “Camp Strong4Life” helps families access nutritious food through home delivery of produce boxes.
- In San Francisco, CA, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital gives families free access to fresh produce, meats, eggs, and whole grains.
Join Us in Nourishing Futures
Changing kids’ health means not only providing access to best-in-class health services and treatments, but also addressing food insecurity that causes and exacerbates the health challenges kids face. When you support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, you do both – creating a happier, healthier future for families and communities for years to come.
Visit cmnhospitals.org today!