Hunger and food insecurity continue to emerge as a critical issue in our communities as identified in Centra's Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Access to healthy foods, poor eating habits and nutrition and food insecurity were significant issues in 2018 as well as 2021, each appearing in the top ten identified needs in the Lynchburg, Bedford and Farmville CHNAs. Additionally, since this data was collected in 2021, COVID-19 relief aid in the form of SNAP benefits have expired, further expounding upon overall food insecurity in our region.
As of 2024, the need for assistance is more pressing than ever. Centra strategically supports community partners who have stepped up to meet this challenge, providing essential services to those facing hunger.
Meals on Wheels, a long standing Centra community partner, delivers meals to homebound individuals across the cities of Lynchburg and Amherst and Bedford and Campbell Counties. In 2023, they delivered over 145,000 meals which was a 70% increase since the onset of the pandemic.
“We are dealing with the most vulnerable population and are continuing to see an increased need,” explained Kris Shabestar, Meals on Wheels Executive Director. “As COVID began to wind down, people anticipated that the need would decrease, however that just has not been the case.”
Meals on Wheels meals are prepared at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital and are tailored to be heart- and diabetes-friendly along with being modified for allergies and dietary needs.
Lynchburg Daily Bread is also experiencing increasing demand. In 2023, the organization served over 245,000 meals. Currently, they are on track to serve at least 270,000 meals in 2024. Executive Director Tracey Dixon remarked, “Lynchburg Daily Bread has faced unprecedented levels of hunger in our community since the pandemic. Grants from Centra have allowed us to grow to meet the needs of our neighbors, facing hunger and struggling to make ends meet.” Centra’s financial support has enabled the organization to expand its staff and resources, effectively tackling the hunger crisis.
Another organization serving our community is Lynchburg Grows. They not only provide access to healthy food but also focus on nutrition education for food-insecure households. Patients of healthcare providers in the area, including Centra, can be referred to their FreshRx Program which is a comprehensive, four-week class that educates patients and their families on what healthy food is and how to prepare it. Participants receive a box of fresh vegetables from the farm and engage in a nutrition education lesson delivered by a FreshRx instructor.
By specifically serving low-income and underinsured families suffering from chronic diseases, Lynchburg Grows is empowering individuals to make informed choices about their nutrition.
“Our dedicated team of farmers, including those with disabilities, work diligently on our seven-acre farm to provide fresh, locally grown produce to our community each week,” shared Shelley Blades, Lynchburg Grows Executive Director. “We firmly believe that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right, not a privilege.”
Centra’s ongoing partnerships with these and many other impactful organizations demonstrates a commitment to addressing the root causes of food insecurity. By providing financial resources, Centra is ensuring that the most vulnerable in our region receive the support they need for healthier outcomes!
