Community Health Alliance’s program heals through food.
In the heart of our community, the beauty of the Sierra Nevada contrasts with the hidden bleakness of food insecurity. But some organizations — such as Community Health Alliance, a nonprofit and federally qualified health center — are quietly but mightily contributing to a transformative approach to health care.
Holistic Approach to Health
Founded more than 30 years ago, CHA has long been a cornerstone of the Reno-Sparks area, providing primary care, pharmacy, and other health care services to primarily low-income patients. One way the organization stands out is its focus on addressing a root cause of poor health: inadequate nutrition. In 2017, driven by the realization that the people utilizing its services lacked access to healthy food, CHA partnered with a food bank on a pilot program to give its patients access to nutritious food.
“It is crucial that we offer comprehensive health care that addresses the complete well-being of individuals, including their nutritional needs,” says Oscar Delgado, CHA’s chief executive officer. “Healthy eating is vital for preventing and managing illnesses.”
The program also aims to reduce rates of chronic disease, which have been increasing steadily over the past few decades.
“Proper nutrition plays a role not only in preventing disease, but also in treating existing ones,” says CHA’s chief medical officer, Dr. Travis Walker. “By having prescription food pantries ready and available, health care providers can address a range of issues, including social barriers, such as transportation and access to high-quality foods.”
The Prescription for Food program was a total success and continues to this day. This year alone, through three food pantry locations, CHA has helped more than 5,000 households encompassing more than 17,000 individuals.
How Does It Work?
The process is pretty much the same as with a prescription for medication. CHA patients speak to one of the organization’s health providers and, if deemed in need, may receive a prescription for food. Patients then take the prescription to the front desk at one of the pantry locations (Nell J. Redfield Health Center in Sun Valley, Sparks Health Center, and Wells Ave. Health Center in Reno), fill out a form about their household size and the foods they would like, and then receive the food. That’s it!
It Takes a Village
This comprehensive approach to health care, in which not only physical problems are addressed but also social obstacles that may prevent an individual from maintaining healthy eating habits, has proven to be the right path forward.
“There have been times when I didn’t have much to eat at the end of the month. The food pantry is not far from my home, so I can walk if I don’t have a ride,” says one of the program’s beneficiaries who chooses to remain anonymous.
But the program takes a village, which is why CHA has established partnerships with numerous organizations, such as Urban Roots, Desert Farming Initiative, Reno Gleaning Project, and Harvest NV, as well as a strong network of volunteers who believe in its work.
The Prescription for Food program exemplifies the power of innovative health care solutions. It shows how addressing food insecurity by promoting nutrition and providing access to healthy foods can literally nurture a healthier, more connected community.
For details, visit Chanevada.org.
RESOURCES
To volunteer, email Bonnie Daugherty at Bdaugherty@chanevada.org.
If you’re a potential partner looking to donate produce, email Julie Pengelly at Jpengelly@chanevada.org.
