FORT SMITH, Ark. — Spanish version: Para español haga click aqui.
Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) has awarded the Baptist Health Foundation a $5000 grant for its Food Rx Program in Fort Smith. The award was delivered on Jan. 19, 2024.
The Food Rx program offers help to its patients who are food insecure by offering them nonperishable foods.
How does it work?
Baptist Health screens patients and "if self-identified as food-insecure," they immediately qualify to receive assistance, Baptist Health said.
Patients receive a three-day food supply for a family of four and a list of food pantries and community resources they can access after their hospitalization. In addition, the program offers help with WIC and SNAP applications, educational seminars and Cooking Matters classes for children and adults.
Jeff Carrier, the FACHE region president for Baptist Health said after being hospitalized, it takes a lot to go back to normal and can cause some stress.
“We want our patients to be able to focus on healing, so we’re happy to be able to provide a nutritious supply of food and resources to help alleviate some of that stress,” said Carrier.
Baptist Health said the grant will be used on food supplies. The program's goal is to "identify and help 200 patients" by June of this year.
The program hopes to expand to Van Buren and more of its clinics in the River Valley, Baptist Health said.
Carrie Terry, OG&E community outreach coordinator said the partnership creates a great opportunity in the area.
"Partnering with Baptist Health-Fort Smith is an opportunity to energize our community and help our neighbors in need by allowing them to focus on their healing.”
Chief Development Officer of Baptist Health Foundation, Lena Hayes, said they are grateful for OG&E's donation.
“Their contribution will help ensure that none of our patients in need will go home without access to food. This philanthropic partnership signifies a tremendous step forward in our collective efforts to improve the health and quality of life for the people we serve,” said Hayes.
To learn more about Baptist Health's Food Rx program, click here.
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