Healthy Food Helps Kentucky Patients Stay Out of the Hospital, National Study Shows
LOUISVILLE, KY (August 24, 2026) – Access to nutritious food is one of the most powerful tools for improving health, and a nationally recognized Food as Medicine initiative is demonstrating just how impactful that connection can be.
Dare to Care Food Bank, in partnership with the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation, is helping improve health outcomes across Kentuckiana through its prescription pantry program, which connects patients experiencing food insecurity with nutritious food and nutrition support as part of their overall health care.
The program is part of Feeding America’s Food as Medicine 3.0 initiative, one of the nation’s largest evaluations of food bank and health care partnerships.
Locally, the investment has enabled Dare to Care to strengthen partnerships with health care providers, including UofL Health and Family Health Centers. In total, 2,900 patients were screened for food insecurity during medical visits and connected to healthy groceries through Feeding America’s prescription pantry program.
In Kentuckiana, the results showed significant improvement in outcomes:
- A 5% reduction in emergency room visits compared with the baseline period.
- A 13% reduction in the number of participants who delayed or skipped medical care because of cost.
- A 7% reduction in food insecurity among participants.
- A 9% improvement in nutrition security, meaning participants reported more consistent access to healthy, nutritious food.
“Food is health,” said Vincent James, President and CEO of Dare to Care.” When a physician can identify that a patient is struggling to access nutritious food and immediately connect them with healthy groceries, we’re addressing one of the root causes of poor health. Together, we’re nourishing the whole person, giving neighbors the foundation that they need to better manage their health, care for their families and truly thrive.”
Unlike traditional emergency food assistance, the prescriptive pantry program integrates food into a patient’s care plan. Health care providers refer eligible patients to the program, which supplies nutritious food that supports chronic-condition management and reduces barriers to healthy eating.
The program reflects a growing recognition that addressing food insecurity is essential to improving community health. Research consistently shows that individuals facing food insecurity are more likely to experience chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as increased stress and anxiety. Consistent access to nutritious food can help improve disease management, strengthen overall well-being and reduce preventable health care utilization.
“Food is a building block of whole-person health—it directly influences the physical, behavioral and social factors that shape a person’s ability to get and stay healthy,” said Dr. Mark Mugavin, Anthem Kentucky medical director. “The Food as Medicine 3.0 data show the downstream impact of meeting that need: access to healthy, culturally relevant food better equips people to manage chronic conditions, avoid preventable emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and support their overall health.”
Food banks have become trusted partners in the health care system by connecting neighbors with nutritious food, nutrition education and community resources that support whole-person care. Through these partnerships, patients receive healthy groceries and guidance that help them develop lasting healthy eating habits.
As demand for food assistance continues to rise across Kentuckiana, Dare to Care remains committed to expanding innovative partnerships that improve both food security and health outcomes.
To learn more about Dare to Care’s prescription pantry program and other programming, visit www.daretocare.org.
