Food Farmacy Program
Food as Medicine: Expanding Access Through UMass Memorial’s Food Farmacy
At UMass Memorial Health, improving access to healthy food is an essential part of improving health outcomes. That’s the focus of the Food Farmacy program — an initiative that connects patients experiencing food insecurity with nutritious food and supportive services.
Integrating Food as Medicine Into Patient Care
Food Farmacy is part of a broader “Food is Medicine” approach. It recognizes that access to healthy food can play a critical role in preventing and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Across Central Massachusetts, food insecurity remains a significant challenge tied to both economic barriers and gaps in access to reliable, nutritious food.
Through screening for social drivers of health and connecting patients to resources, UMass Memorial meets people where they are — linking clinical care with community-based food programs and partners.
Strengthening Community Partnerships and Local Food Systems
A key priority of the FEAST initiative is to strengthen these connections and make them easier to access. That includes improving referral pathways, expanding partnerships and aligning programs like Food Farmacy with local food systems so patients can receive fresh, culturally appropriate food.
“Food Farmacy is about integrating care in a way that recognizes the full context of a person’s health,” said Tricia Pistone, Associate Vice President for Community Affairs, UMass Memorial Health – HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital. “When we connect patients with healthy food and the right support, we’re helping them manage their health in a meaningful and lasting way.
As the program continues to grow, it also supports the broader regional food system by creating demand for healthy, locally sourced foods and strengthening collaboration across health care and community organizations.
Supporting Long‑Term Health Through Community‑Driven Nutrition Access
Ultimately, Food Farmacy reflects UMass Memorial’s commitment to using its clinical and community resources — ensuring patients not only receive care but also have access to the everyday essentials that support long-term health.