FOOD AS MEDICINE

BUILDING A HEALTHIER LOUISIANA TOGETHER

Feeding Louisiana has received a two-year, $437,500 Food and Health Business Model grant from Feeding America, supported by CVS Health funding, to help develop a statewide framework for Food as Medicine in Louisiana.

This grant will support Feeding Louisiana’s work with the state’s five regional food banks, health care partners, and other stakeholders to design a practical model that connects nutritious food, health care referrals, and long-term support for Louisiana neighbors facing diet-related health challenges.

Food as Medicine recognizes that access to healthy food is not separate from health care. For many individuals and families, especially those managing diabetes, hypertension, pregnancy-related health risks, or other chronic conditions, consistent access to nutritious food can be a critical part of improving health and reducing avoidable health care costs.

Through this grant, Feeding Louisiana will explore how Louisiana’s food banks can strengthen partnerships with medical providers, clinics, managed care organizations, and community partners to create a more coordinated system of care. The goal is to build a framework that can support medically tailored groceries, food prescriptions, nutrition education, referral pathways, delivery or pickup options, data tracking, and reporting back to health care partners.

“This grant gives Feeding Louisiana the opportunity to move Food as Medicine from an idea to an actionable statewide model,” said Pat Van Burkleo, Executive Director of Feeding Louisiana. “Our food banks already serve neighbors in every region of the state. By connecting that reach with health care partners, we can better support people where they live, work, and seek care.”

The planning process will include input from Louisiana’s regional food banks and partners to identify what should be standardized statewide and what should remain flexible based on local community needs. This is especially important in a state like Louisiana, where rural communities, transportation barriers, food access gaps, and health disparities often overlap.

Food as Medicine is not a replacement for health care. It is a bridge between health care and food security. By creating a stronger framework, Feeding Louisiana hopes to position Louisiana’s food banks as key partners in improving health outcomes, supporting prevention, and ensuring that more neighbors have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

As this work moves forward, Feeding Louisiana will continue engaging food banks, health care leaders, public agencies, community partners, and funders to help shape a model that is practical, sustainable, and designed for Louisiana.

Together, we can build a healthier Louisiana — one where food is recognized not only as emergency assistance, but as part of the foundation for health, dignity, and opportunity.