When families or individuals struggle to afford food for the next meal, it becomes difficult to focus on much else. Dr. Jason Ackerman of Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Addiction and Internal Medicine Clinic recognized that many of his patients experience food insecurity and sought ways to help address the concern.
“We know many of our patients struggle to afford transportation to appointments or medicines we prescribe,” Ackerman said. “We’ve also had patients say they sometimes have to choose between medications and groceries.”
With that barrier in mind, Dr. Ackerman and his team at the clinic opted to start a mini pantry within the clinic. The pantry includes both food and basic hygiene items. When it initially started, staff from the clinic kept it stocked from their own funds and with GAP funds, which come through the Sheridan Memorial Hospital Foundation.
“It really fits within our mission of serving the whole patient without judgement,” said Shilo Stainbrook, the clinic supervisor. “This is just another facet of that approach.”
The need for the pantry quickly became evident as patients utilized the goods kept in the clinic waiting room. As staff restocked the pantry, food and other items were typically utilized within a few days, making it difficult for staff to keep it stocked on their own.
Dr. Ackerman was aware of a nonprofit in the community, The Food Group, and its mission to alleviate childhood hunger in Sheridan County by providing nourishment to children. He reached out to see if a partnership would be possible.
Keri McMeans, The Food Group executive director, said the two entities discussed a variety of options, ranging from helping purchase food at discounted prices to adopting the pantry. Those conversations led to a partnership that has blossomed and The Food Group now works closely with the Addiction & Internal Medicine team at Sheridan Memorial Hospital to keep the pantry stocked.
“The Food Group provides food in our community so that every child who is hungry has access to healthy food,” said Jenny Tribley, program director with The Food Group. “The awesome part of this is that there are families who may not participate in our other programs for personal reasons. They go to their doctor for something other than food, and there it is – available. Available for everyone. If they need food, they may be more likely to grab something to feed themselves or their families.
“That experience,” she added, “potentially may loosen that person’s thoughts on getting a little extra help. If they have another chance to get some extra food next time, they may have softened just enough to take a little and realize they are still OK.”
The Food Group delivers boxes of food to the clinic each week now and the Addiction & Internal Medicine team has noted the difference the effort has already made for patients.
“We have heard patients and families comment on how nice the pantry is to have at the clinic,” Shilo said. “We don’t officially keep track of anything or anyone who takes the items, but we’ve observed mothers utilizing the pantry along with some patients who cannot work while they are in residential treatment, so they may be more in need of toiletries.
“We’ve noticed that most people aren’t shy about utilizing the pantry, which to us speaks to the fact that they don’t feel judged or shameful while they are in our office,” Shilo added.
To learn more about the Addiction & Internal Medicine Clinic at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, see https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/clinics/addiction-medicine/.