‘Food is Medicine’ campaign starting by Kentucky Ag department

Joining forces to help fight hunger

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The Kentucky Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday it is joining forces with the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) to develop a “Food is Medicine” campaign, focusing on the power of food and its connection to healthier living.

Access to nutritious food is critical to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell. “Advocating that connection between food and health is essential to meeting the goal of less chronic disease and longer lifespans. But it’s more than a message about choosing the right foods, it’s also a message about expanding our food distribution networks within the agriculture industry.”

Through increasing access to local, healthy food options, Shell and Kentucky’s hospitals are crafting plans for a positive impact on communities across the state. 

“We appreciate Commissioner Shell’s leadership and dedication to bringing this work to the forefront," said Nancy Galvangni, President and CEO of the Kentucky Hospital Association. "Kentucky’s hospitals work every day to improve the health of our citizens and this new collaboration between KHA and the Department of Agriculture will elevate ways in which hospitals throughout Kentucky can address the social drivers of health facing our Commonwealth.”

This collaboration recognizes that high-quality nourishment is essential for well-being. Richer nourishment can result in healthier lifestyles, improved health, and long-term positive results for individuals and communities.

Five areas of the campaign will include:

--Looking at the food a hospital is serving to patients.

--Creating partnerships between hospitals and local farmers.

--Connecting patients with resources to a consistent healthy food resource.

--Creating outreach for patients who need a special diet, for example, diabetes patients, and could benefit from having a resource to fresh food.

--Expanding existing initiatives that connect Kentuckians to healthy food options.

“As the largest provider of care in southeastern Kentucky, our responsibility goes beyond treating illness,” said Hollie Harris, Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) President and CEO. “We want to help people live healthier lives, and that starts with access to healthy foods.”

Despite the value of local food, a recent survey completed by representatives of 50 hospital systems across the state found that only about two percent of the hospital’s budget is spent on local food. The overall average percentage of local food being served at these same hospitals was 15 percent.