NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP) is working with Feeding Westchester to provide at-risk families in Peekskill and Mount Vernon with healthy food. The two organizations recently launched the Food Farmacy Program, which provides bags of nourishing, healthy food and staples to 120 area families.
NewYork-Presbyterian”™s Food Farmacy Program is a prevention program that addresses food insecurity to help improve health outcomes. Individuals with nutritional needs are referred to the program by a health provider for supplemental foods that best promote health, prevent future illness and manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition to receiving the healthy food items, participants will receive ongoing nutrition education and access to resources to assist them in working toward food security. The pilot program runs through the spring, with a goal to become a permanent program for both NYP hospitals.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital is facilitating the food distribution program with Sun River Health in Peekskill, and NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital is working with the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center.
“NewYork-Presbyterian is deeply committed to improving the health and well-being of our patients, our neighbors and all the communities we serve in Westchester County,” said Michael Fosina, president, NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital.
Stacey Petrower, president, NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, said, “Food insecurity was a very real issue in Westchester County even before Covid-19 struck. We are focused on helping alleviate this problem and are proud to take part in this effort to keep our community members healthy through the food and nutrition education services provided by the Food Farmacy Program.”
Founded in 1889 by the Helping Hand Association, NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, located in Cortlandt Manor, serves residents of the Hudson Valley and Westchester County. Established in 1909, NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, located in Bronxville, serves residents of Westchester County and the Bronx.
