The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and Mission Hope Cancer Center have joined forces to introduce the innovative Food Rx program, aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of food-insecure cancer patients in North Santa Barbara County.
The collaboration marks a major step in the fight against food insecurity among cancer patients. The Food Rx initiative, funded by a $50,000 grant from Dignity Health, seeks to make nutrient-dense foods available onsite and deliver groceries and fresh produce to qualifying individuals undergoing cancer care treatment.
The focuses on on promoting healthy eating habits and alleviating the burden of food insecurity.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by many cancer patients, particularly older adults, Food Rx aims to remove barriers to food access by offering nutrient-dense foods on a regular basis.
With Mission Hope Cancer Center reporting that 640 patients qualify for financial assistance, and about 46% of them being older adults, the initiative targets a vulnerable demographic that often struggles to afford nutritious meals amidst mounting medical bills and reduced earning capacity.
“We understand the difficult circumstances that cancer patients often face, especially when it comes to prioritizing expenses such as medical bills and groceries,” said Lacey Baldiviez, chief impact officer of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
“Through the Food Rx program, we aim to provide immediate relief by offering shelf-stable nutrient-dense meal replacements and grocery home delivery to eligible patients, ensuring they have convenient access to supportive food options throughout their cancer care experience,” she said.
In addition to providing essential food items, the program will offer nutrition education specific to common challenges experienced during cancer care treatment.
By equipping patients with knowledge and resources for nourishment, the initiative seeks to reduce the burden of food insecurity and enhance overall well-being.
As part of the Foodbank’s mission of equitable access to all programs and materials, bilingual (Spanish/English) educational materials are provided.
“Maintaining a nutritious diet is essential for cancer patients, as it can help support their immune system, aid in recovery, and improve overall quality of life,” said Kathleen Sullivan, Mission Hope Cancer Center vice president of Cancer Services.
“By partnering with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, we are able to offer our patients not only immediate access to nutritious foods but also ongoing support and education to help them make informed dietary choices,” she said.
As part of the partnership, both organizations are committed to monitoring the real-time health impacts of the program for participants. By collecting relevant data, such as changes in food security, nutrition and biomedical outcomes among cancer patients, the data could open up opportunities for additional funding and programming to expand the reach and impact of the Food Rx program.
For more about Food Rx or to inquire about eligibility, contact Leana Orsua at 805-680-0625 or lorsua@foodbanksbc.org.