‘Food farmacy’ opens in Hartford, targets food insecurity among city residents

Published May 11, 2022 1:06 PM EDT.

Rosa Cano opened the fridge door full of fresh fruits and vegetables.

"I'll get some broccoli," he said, placing a handful of groceries in a green bag that closes again before moving on to the next refrigerator. "Tomatoes. Good for salads, good for diet."

One Friday morning, Cano, a Hartford resident, picked some food from what looked like a small grocery store. But unlike a regular store, this space exists on the premises of Hartford HealthCare.

Food is bought and distributed locally for free to residents and nutritionists are ready to help people make their choice.

The new center, sometimes referred to as a "food farm ," is part of an effort to reduce food insecurity among Connecticut residents and allow people to buy fresh food, with nutritional value specifically for their health needs.

Food insecurity refers not only to the quantity of food, but also to its quality - it occurs when a person does not have access to nutritional options and is quite affordable.

According to a Feeding America 2019 report , about 12% of Connecticut's total population, or approximately 428,800 people, are food insecure.

The food insecurity rate is even higher among Connecticut children at 15%.

"The last years of the pandemic have shown a huge gap in access to food," said Bimal Patel, senior vice president at Hartford HealthCare.

Last week, the health organization officially opened the first Healthy Eating Resource Center. It is modeled after other types of centers across the country that use a "food as medicine" approach, where medical professionals refer patients at risk directly to local grocery stores.

"We can try to educate our patients and provide them with resources," the doctor said. Jessica Mullins said: "But it will not replace something as simple as going to the hospital and getting fresh groceries near home."

Patel said the Hartford center will give priority to women and residents with chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and obesity.

"Our goal was to have as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible," said nutrition program consultant David Juros. "At the moment it is at least, and often, one of the hardest things people can achieve."

Patients will work with nutritionists to find foods and meals that best meet their health needs. They can then choose to buy items for themselves and their families.

"In this way, we balance the choice, which is very important for families, and also help the patient get the right nutrition for his health condition," said Yuros.

Mullins, an ob / gender at Hartford Hospital, said food insecurity and poor nutrition can have long-term health consequences if not treated early.

"Antenatal patients suffering from food insecurity are more likely to have inappropriate and excessive weight gain," she said, "and this certainly makes them susceptible to the worst pregnancy outcomes."

At Hartford Food Center, a city where nearly 44% of residents are Hispanic, all food and product labels are in English and Spanish. Juros said it is important to provide important cultural food to the population they serve.

"Tomatoes are also available," he said, pointing to a shelf full of multi-layered products. "We have malanga here, we have a lot of peppers, papaya, mango and everything else we have."

Hartford HealthCare officials said the new center is embarking on a broader phased expansion plan.

For residents like Kano who associate their health with fresh produce, the new center on Retreat Avenue will be part of their routine food selection routine for them and their families.