Seaford, DE – TidalHealth Nanticoke is pleased to announce an expanded partnership with Love INC of Mid-Delmarva, a Seaford-based nonprofit, to address food insecurity among patients.
Food insecurity is the condition of not having access to enough food to meet one’s needs. Population health data reveal high rates of food insecurity throughout western Sussex County, especially in Laurel, Bridgeville, Seaford and Georgetown. Research shows that food insecurity can have a negative impact on health outcomes.
Understanding the connection between food and health, TidalHealth screens patients for social needs including food insecurity. When a patient is identified as needing food, TidalHealth provides an emergency food bag with shelf stable food for the patient to take with them upon discharge.
Food supplies have been running low, and the hospital sought out a community partner to help sustain this important service. Love INC agreed to provide food bags with shelf stable products to meet basic nutritional standards for patients.
“This is an important and meaningful partnership for us, said Penny Short, President of TidalHealth Nanticoke. “Love INC is our neighbor, and their support for our patients in need is invaluable. As they help ensure that those leaving our hospital have access to food, we hope to give back to Love INC in other ways, strengthening our shared commitment to the community.”
Love INC provides an average of 2,000 individuals per month with ready to eat meals and food pantry bags. The organization partners with other non-profits, businesses, and churches to meet needs throughout Sussex County, including food.
“We believe that in order to help someone along their journey of transformation we have to meet them where they are at and help alleviate current short-term needs,” said Kathryn Alban, Associate Director of Love INC.
In addition to increasing access to food, TidalHealth and Love INC are also increasing access to health screenings. Our Community Wellness nurse will be on site routinely to conduct diabetes risk assessments, blood pressure checks, and provide general outreach and education about health.
