We are so excited to share with you about the Food Pharmacy, a new project that will impact many individuals.

The Food Pharmacy is a pilot project led by Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) where the Lancaster Food Hub serves as a host site.  The premise behind this program is that “food is medicine,” and that by making dietary changes, diseases can be better controlled or prevented. 

Patients are identified through several LGH medical practices and have been diagnosed with Metabolic issues such as pre-diabetes, diabetes, cardiac problems and whose physician feels can have their disease better addressed by also making dietary changes.  A referral is made to the registered dietician who sets up an appointment with the patient at the Food Pharmacy area at our Hub. 

The registered dietician does an indepth overview of what is going on with them and then discusses foods that would be good choices for them.  After that discussion she assists the patient in selecting food that the patient may take with them. 

There is a wide assortment of fresh produce, frozen meats and fish as well as low salt and low sugar pantry items.  Patients leave with over 100 pounds of food and can come twice a month for 6 months to meet with the registered dietician at the Lancaster Food Hub.  The patient is also referred to come to the Lancaster Food Hub food and clothingdistributions if they are not already involved.

Interested to learn more about the Food Pharmacy, or looking to get involved with this new initiative? Contact the Lancaster Food Hub’s Executive Director, Gail Rittenhouse here.