Food As Medicine at EHS
Episcopal Health Services is committed to transforming health care through nutrition. Our Food As Medicine Pilot Program connects Rockaway families with healthy, culturally appropriate food to prevent, manage, and treat diet-related conditions.
Vision: To make EHS a Food As Medicine Center of Excellence
Mission: To give Rockaway families access to healthy, culturally appropriate food to prevent, manage and treat diet-related conditions.
Goal: To develop a program that is sustainable for the health system and our patients while facilitating growth in the long-term.
Social Impact Commitment
EHS is committed to advancing health equity by addressing systemic barriers that impact access to care and well-being. Guided by our mission to deliver high-quality, value-based services, we actively invest in programs and partnerships that target social determinants of health, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to thrive regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or zip code. We pledge to create meaningful change by listening, learning, and collaborating with our communities, shaping a healthier, more inclusive future for future generations.
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity refers to the lack of consistent access to enough food for all household members to live active, healthy lives.
- 185 families (3x month) are provided fresh produce from Campaign for Hunger
- 28% of households that receive SNAP benefits are food insecure
- Broad Channel / Rockaway: 16.4% of residents, compared to 15.4% citywide, are food insecure
- 34% of residents live within a 5-min walk to fresh produce, compared to 49% citywide
Food Insecurity Exacerbates Health Disparities and Increases the Risk of Chronic Illnesses
According to USDA, lower food security is associated with a higher probability of chronic disease diagnoses, including:
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Hepatitis
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- COPD
- Kidney disease
- Coronary Artery disease
What is Food As Medicine?
“Food As Medicine” refers to the idea that nutritious food can play a significant role in promoting health, preventing disease, and even treating certain conditions. It emphasizes the vital link between diet and health, recognizing that access to high-quality food is crucial for individual and community well-being.
The “Food As Medicine” concept encompasses a broad range of interventions that integrate food-based treatments into healthcare systems. These interventions can include:
- Medically tailored meals: Meals designed to meet specific dietary needs and treatment goals for individuals with chronic conditions.
- Medically tailored groceries: Programs that provide access to healthy, affordable groceries tailored to individual health needs.
- Produce prescriptions: Programs that provide vouchers or access to fresh produce for individuals in need.
What is Food As Medicine at EHS?
- We are committed to enhancing patient care through access to nutritious food and culturally tailored culinary education.
- We believe in the transformative power of nutrition in healthcare and the role nutrition plays in achieving better health outcomes.
- From supporting growth and development to disease prevention and treatment efficacy, nutrition plays a vital part at every stage of life.
Expected Outcomes of the Food As Medicine Program:
- Reduced food insecurity
- Improved diet and weight loss
- Better glucose and blood pressure levels
- Disease self-management
- Improved physical and mental health
- Cost-effectiveness or cost savings
- Fewer Emergency Department visits and hospitalizations
Join us in shaping a healthier community!
For more information or to sign-up, call 718-869-7100 or email FoodAs_Medicine@ehs.org.