The Food Farmacy Program provides non-perishable and fresh food items through partner organizations such as schools, pediatrician offices, and other nonprofits.
The Food Farmacy program is a strategic part of NourishNC’s vision to be anywhere and everywhere food insecure children need us in New Hanover County. In 1902, Thomas Edison predicted that, “The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” Well, that day is here for children in New Hanover County.
“Each family has had their own individual reaction, but the themes of family responses have been from deep relief from their worries about meals to big-time excitement. When I brought a meal box to one of the families I personally work with, I watched the little girl open the box and take each item out. She carefully showed each item to her mom, and kept repeating: ‘for me! for me!’ What was amazing about this experience is this child has an expressive language delay, and very rarely uses the two-and three-word phrases that would be typical of her development. It was a delight to see her and her mom share in opening the box and hear her express her happiness with words!”
Food Farmacy boxes distributed last year
How Does It Work?
- At pediatrician offices, clinicians assess children for food insecurity using the Hunger Vital Sign or a social determinants of health questionnaire. Children struggling with hunger and food insecurity are immediately provided with a box of non-perishable food containing more than 35 strategic meals. Each child also receives a “prescription” for fresh produce, lean meats, eggs, and bread which can be picked up at NourishNC.
- Our community partners deliver high-quality food, provided by NourishNC, right into the homes of our community’s most vulnerable children ages 1-4 years old. These children have been exposed to, or are experiencing poverty, violence, depression, Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs), developmental delays, homelessness, anger issues, incarcerated parent(s), etc.
- At community centers, schools, and at other nonprofits, NourishNC provides everything from snacks to fully stocked pantries.
