Beyond Barriers – Food is Medicine
Eskenazi Health Foundation proudly supports Eskenazi Health’s Food is Medicine program — an initiative that integrates food access and nutrition support directly into patient care across all three Health Engagement Zones. Grounded in the belief that food is medicine, this program provides both immediate and lasting support for better health and well-being.
Patients who screen positive for food insecurity receive food vouchers redeemable at the Fresh for You Market, Fresh for You Market on Wheels and the Indy Fresh Market, offering access to fresh, nutritious and culturally relevant foods. In 2024 alone, more than 58,000 patient visits resulted in vouchers for healthy meals.
Patients are also connected with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) coordinators for personalized enrollment assistance and long-term nutrition benefits, while nutrition education and wellness referrals empower lasting lifestyle change.
FOOD IS MEDICINE
Where We Started
Access to nutritious food is fundamental to good health, yet food insecurity contributes to many chronic conditions, including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. In Central Indiana, this is not just a challenge — it is a daily crisis.
To meet this need, Eskenazi Health began by providing food vouchers, ensuring families could access healthy, nourishing meals when they needed them most.
Where We Are Now
Through the Beyond Barriers campaign, Eskenazi Health has expanded its commitment to addressing food insecurity and improving community health and well-being by:
- Launching Food is Medicine programs, including Fresh for You Market and Fresh for You Market on Wheels
- Issuing more than 60,000 food vouchers to patients experiencing food insecurity
- Referring over 4,200 patients to SNAP for ongoing nutrition support
- Creating a closed-loop referral system to track and strengthen nutrition interventions
The Importance of Partnerships
Discover how Eskenazi Health is addressing food insecurity through strong community partnerships that connect families to vital support.
