Food Cupboard in Indiana County

Nutrition Services
November 13, 2018

Grand Opening of Adagio Health Food Cupboard in Indiana County

Indiana, Pa. (November 13, 2018) - Food insecurity impacts an estimated 14.4% of the residents in Indiana County – that is nearly 88,000 people.  To help meet this need, Adagio Health is opening a “Food Cupboard” on Wednesday, November 14th in their Indiana County WIC office. The cupboard is a collaboration between Adagio Health’s SNAP-Ed nutrition education program, WIC program, and medical office with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the Indiana County Community Action Program. 

The USDA defines food insecurity as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle”. Access to food is one of the many social determinants of health that negatively impacts chronic disease and know that food insecurity and health are closely linked. A lack of nutritious food, has detrimental effects on physical and mental health, and can increase a person’s risk for developing numerous health problems. People with low food security frequently cut portions or skip meals and consume foods higher in fat, sodium, and calories.  Managing a chronic disease like diabetes or hypertension is complex and made even more challenging by food insecurity. 

BJ Leber, President and CEO, Adagio Health shared, “The goal of the “Food Cupboard” is to provide a safety net for food insecure individuals and families who are clients of the Adagio Health WIC and medical offices.” The Adagio Health Medical Office in Indiana County sees 1,200 WIC participants and treats 400 medical clients each month. The SNAP-Ed program provides nutrition education to 2,500 participants in Indiana County each year.  

The Adagio Health staff will use the hunger vital signs 2 questions and a sliding scale to identify food insecure clients. If identified, clients will have the opportunity to choose healthy, nutritious foods from our cupboard that align with the USDA’s MyPlate food groups. Additionally, clients will receive warm referrals to other needed services during the visit to the cupboard.

Adagio Health is pleased to bring the “Food Cupboard” to our clients and their children to help them live healthier lives. 

EVENT DETAILS: Grand opening:  Wednesday, November 14, 1 p.m.

 The Food Cupboard will be open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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About Adagio Health – For 45 years, Adagio Health has provided health and wellness services and support throughout 23 counties in Western Pennsylvania. Services include family planning/gynecology/prenatal care/STD testing and prevention, breast and cervical cancer screening, community education and nutrition services. Most of the nearly 110,000 patients and clients receiving services at Adagio Health are women who are uninsured, underinsured or need access to confidential reproductive health and family planning services. These services are provided through funding from foundations, the State and Federal government and in partnership with a variety of community partners and other funders, such as Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh. www.adagiohealth.org

Full Statement (English)
 
This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS).
 
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(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
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