One in five Philadelphians experience food insecurity. Meaning, they do not have consistent access to enough food and resources to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. The current pandemic has intensified this issue for a plethora of individuals and their families, putting the overall health and development of children at risk.
In response, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has stepped up and expanded its Healthy Weight Food Pharmacy (HWFP) program, which aims to increase access to healthy foods and promote nutrition for families experiencing food insecurity.
With the help of a $100,000 donation from The GIANT Company, CHOP’s HWFP program can increase the frequency of food access for families from once every three months to once a month. Families will receive both fresh and dried goods, as well as educational resources on healthy foods, recipes, and age-appropriate programming for children.
“Thanks to our partners at The GIANT Company, we will be able to continue our mission to support families in the West Philadelphia community in a responsive, respectful and effective way.”
Saba Khan, M.D. Director of CHOP’s Healthy Weight Food Pharmacy
CHOP will expand its existing pharmacy on its University City campus, as well as build a new Food Pharmacy program at its Nicholas and Athena Karabots Primary Care Center in West Philadelphia.
“Like CHOP, The GIANT Company wants to take food insecurity off the table, as well as help all families share a healthy meal and the many benefits of doing so. The expansion of this innovative program is an important step in achieving our goal and one we are proud to be able to support,” said Nicholas Bertram, President of The GIANT Company.
Since 2018, CHOP’s program has provided food for more than 1,400 patients and their families. In part, the program stems from the 25-plus years of continued philanthropic support from The GIANT Company.
Information provided by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.