Addressing Patients’ Food Insecurity

In 2024, Meals on Wheels People (MOWP) provided essential nutritional support to 191 community members experiencing food insecurity following hospital discharge, thanks to a $1.75 million grant from Trillium Community Health Plan. The grant funded the delivery of 13,974 medically tailored meals to 116 Adventist Health patients and 7,729 meals to 75 of their family members, all of whom self-reported food insecurity. These meals, available for up to 120 days post-discharge, played a crucial role in ensuring nutrition security, reducing stress around food access, and supporting the management of chronic illness symptoms. 

Kyle King, president of Adventist Health Portland, highlighted the transformative impact of the grant, stating, “This grant has made a huge impact in our community, providing essential nutritional support and strengthening connections for hundreds of patients and families during some of the most critical moments in their health journeys. Over the past year, the number of people benefiting from this program has shed light on both the immense need and the existing gap in access to nutritious food for our community members. Thanks to Trillium Community Health Plan and Meals on Wheels People, we’re making meaningful progress in closing that gap, improving health outcomes, and enhancing quality of life.” 

MOWP’s efforts addressed common post-hospitalization challenges such as mobility limitations and lack of transportation by delivering two medically tailored meals per day directly to patients’ homes. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the fight against food insecurity. 

The Trillium Community Health Plan grant, which continues for three years, ensures that patients recovering from hospital stays and their families have access to medically tailored meals that support healing and overall well-being. This collaborative effort between Trillium, Meals on Wheels People, Adventist Health Portland and the VA Portland Health Care System exemplifies the power of community partnerships in advancing public health.