Food is foundational to good health, yet for millions of people across the United States, access to nutritious meals remains out of reach. Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the country, is joining the Alliance to End Hunger to strengthen its work addressing food insecurity across its six-state service territory and integrating food access into its health care delivery model. As part of its mission to redefine care for all, Advocate Health remains steadfast in addressing hunger as a core driver of health, working to ensure that nutritious food is accessible, affordable and available in every community it serves.
Food insecurity affects one in eight U.S. households, including more than 7 million residents in Advocate Health’s service areas, according to Feeding America. By integrating food access into clinical care, investing in community partners and removing barriers to essential services, Advocate Health is contributing to a future in which every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Last year, Advocate Health screened nearly 2.4 million patients for factors affecting their overall well‑being, including access to food and transportation. Food is consistently the top concern identified by our patients, and we have seen rates of food insecurity rise across our care footprint in recent months. These screenings led to thousands of referrals connecting individuals with trusted community‑based organizations that provide fresh groceries and pantry items.
Advocate Health invests millions of dollars each year to address food insecurity throughout its footprint, supporting more than 100 food programs, such as medically tailored meal delivery, hospital-based pantries stocked with culturally relevant items, produce prescription programs, mobile markets and local agriculture initiatives. The health system’s teammates also play a vital role in addressing hunger. As the largest employer in many of the communities it serves, the system encourages volunteerism at food distribution sites and collaborates closely with food banks, community gardens and faith‑based organizations to expand reach during times of heightened need. Leaders across the enterprise reinforce a commitment to care that is rooted in access, affordability, innovation and compassion across urban and rural communities.
By joining the Alliance to End Hunger, Advocate Health is connecting these efforts to a national network of organizations committed to ending hunger in the United States. The Alliance brings together nonprofits, faith-based organizations, businesses and advocacy groups to address food insecurity through policy change, community action and cross-sector collaboration. For Advocate Health, the partnership creates opportunities to share best practices with other health systems, amplify the impact of local programs and contribute to broader efforts to address hunger as a public health priority. Membership in the Alliance to End Hunger reinforces Advocate Health’s commitment to including food access as essential health care, not as a charitable add-on.
