Lynden Clinic Food Farmacy
Food Security is a vital social determinant of health.
Help us ensure that families facing hunger are supported and connected.
What is a Food Farmacy?
Clinics around the country have adapted to the rise in food insecurity by creating clinic-based food programs. Usually when a family or individual screens as food insecure during a clinic visit, there are few resources beyond a simple listing of food banks. A Food Farmacy can change that by offering a food box that meets immediate hunger needs. The food box includes several days of shelf-stable foods, protein, dairy and produce. The Food Farmacy is a way to connect individuals and families with an immediate support while also sharing with them how to access food banks and other resources locally after the visit.
Where can I see a Food Farmacy in action?
The PeaceHealth Medical Group Pediatrics Clinic in Bellingham has an established Food Farmacy with as many as 10-12 families a week that need a food box. We expect the same volume in Lynden and possibly more. Fortunately, the new Lynden Clinic was designed from the start to include a Food Farmacy. Sea Mar Health Center in Bellingham and the Lummi Tribal Health Clinic also have a Food Farmacy on their campuses.
"Hunger is a real concern in our community. Having access to the Food Farmacy means we can provide an immediate support to families during their clinic visit with linkages to resources after." – Dr. Jordana Hawkins, Pediatrician
How much does it cost to support?
PeaceHealth partners with the Bellingham Food Bank to stock the boxes which are delivered to the clinics weekly. It costs approximately $40 per box. At the current volumes, we are hoping to raise $52,000 annually. Help us fill the shelves of the new PeaceHealth Clinic Lynden Food Farmacy.