The stubborn persistence of food insecurity in the capital region, with 32% of citizens grappling with it between May 2022 and April 2023, has compelled the Capital Area Food Bank to propose four ambitious strategies to tackle this enduring issue, presenting a viable roadmap for food banks nationwide.

The Capital Area’s report acknowledges racial disparities characteristic of the broader food insecurity landscape, with 44% of affected individuals identifying as Black, 27% Hispanic, and 18% white.

Among its recommendations stands the Food as Medicine approach, accentuating the connection between food insecurity, chronic diseases, and overall health. The Capital Area report emphasizes the need to develop this perspective, stating that food-insecure individuals in the region exhibit twice the likelihood to suffer from chronic diseases than their food-secure counterparts.

“Food banks play a colossal role,” said Radha Muthiah, President and CEO of Capital Area Food Bank, highlighting the potential for food banks to dispense medically tailored groceries to individuals with diet-related health conditions. Capital Area seeks to emphasize the place food banks could occupy in the Food as Medicine landscape, owing to their expansive reach and commitment to delivering good, nutritious food to the masses.

It is also vital for food banks to contribute to the burgeoning body of research, signifying positive outcomes in Food as Medicine. As an initiative in this direction, Capital Area has partnered with Children’s National Hospital to document the medical outcomes of 200 patients receiving weekly medically tailored groceries for a year.

Ground-level initiatives like operating an on-site food pharmacy at Children’s National Hospital aim to provide healthy groceries to food-insecure children with diabetes.

Muthiah accentuates the importance of seamless partnerships with diverse institutions like the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition, insurance providers, healthcare providers, and hospital systems to amplify their advocacy efforts around Food as Medicine.

Muthiah also envisions a future where insurers cover Food as Medicine programming. She foresees a quick turnaround, stating, “I see a day when we will be reimbursed for healthy food, either directly or indirectly,” anticipated within a three to four-year timeline.

Another track in their approach to counter food insecurity hinges on improving access to the hunger relief network. Capital Area’s report reveals that 59% of its clients are aware of only one location for accessing free food. Essential measures to address this include extended pantry operational hours, home delivery services, and greater informational outreach through platforms social media platforms and other outlets.

To render their services more relevant, Capital Area aims to diversify partner organizations and ensure the food served respects the cultural preferences of the communities. The food bank has set an ambitious target to distribute 40% culturally appropriate food, keeping a daily track of this progress, says Muthiah.

The strategy also consolidates food with other essential services like healthcare screenings and workforce development to enrich its service model. Other food banks have already implemented similar integrated models; for instance, Feeding Tampa Bay is constructing an Opportunity Hub that combines several community services and a grocery-store-style pantry.

Capital Area concludes its actionable game plan with the recommendation to fortify successful government programs like SNAP, income-based tax credits, and TEFAP, stating that SNAP provides nine meals for every single one provided by the food-banking network.

By taking substantive steps, Capital Area Food Bank aims to make lasting changes in the fight against food insecurity, setting a precedent for other food banks nationwide.