First anniversary of Food Pharmacy service for clinic patients
In October 2024, the Free Clinic of Culpeper joined the Food Pharmacy program offered by the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank (BRAFB) to increase clinic patients’ access to nutritious food. Incorporating healthy foods into a diet can help prevent and manage diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. With the Food Pharmacy in place at the clinic, challenges related to food accessibility and affordability have been reduced. During the Pharmacy’s first year of operation at the Culpeper Free Clinic, nearly 500 clinic patients have benefited from the Food Bank’s monthly delivery of canned and frozen foods, fresh produce, and pantry staples.
The Food Pharmacy program is tailored to clinic patients’ needs. A monthly order placed by the clinic focuses on foods that are nutritious, with an emphasis on low sodium, no added sugar, and whole grain items. The order can be adjusted to request community favorites or culturally inclusive foods. Other foods may be included as special treats or family favorites.
As part of patient care, nutrition education is available with a focus on each patient’s specific health needs. Patients typically visit the Food Pharmacy during an appointment and are guided to nutritional choices by clinic staff or volunteers.
“It’s so impactful to include a discussion of nutrition and a walk through of the Food Pharmacy as part of the patient’s visit,” observes clinic director Tammy LaGraffe. “The give and take of the conversation really helps to inform our patients about their options and what might be best for them.”
LaGraffe adds, “Pairing on-site food availability with health education is particularly helpful for our patients with chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. All of these conditions can show improvement when nutritious foods are incorporated into the diet.”
After the Food Pharmacy was set up at the clinic, the Culpeper Mid Day Lions Club provided a grant focused on diabetes management. The grant supported the purchase of cookbooks and other educational materials for the clinic, as well as a refrigerator and a freezer for Food Pharmacy cold storage. Another refrigerator was secured through a BRAFB grant. LaGraffe also expressed gratitude for the commitment of volunteers who unpack the pallets delivered each month.
“The Food Pharmacy has been such a positive addition to our patient services,” comments LaGraffe. “Having this resource at the clinic is promoting great conversations about healthy habits and empowering patients to manage their health through nutritious food choices.”
The Free Clinic of Culpeper, managed by the Culpeper Wellness Foundation, welcomes volunteers to help with Food Pharmacy monthly deliveries. Individuals interested in volunteering may contact clinic volunteer coordinator Molly Clair at mclair@culpeperwellness.org
