TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A new approach to fighting hunger in the Tampa Bay area is focusing on something bigger than just food: overall health.
Feeding Tampa Bay leaders announced their latest efforts Wednesday at the Health and Hunger Summit. The summit brought together hundreds of people to learn how nutrition can serve as a bridge to improved medical outcomes.
“Food insecurity is a health crisis,” said Thomas Manz, president and CEO. “The neighborhoods we serve are struggling with health care. They are making very difficult choices between food and medicine.”
The centerpiece of this effort is a new neighborhood clinic established through a partnership with Suncoast Community Health Center. The clinic provides primary care services five days a week and is available for both walk-in visits and scheduled appointments.
Organizers say the goal is simple: meet patients where they are and connect them to a broader network of care. Once patients access the system, they will have access to additional services including pharmacy support, x-rays, dental care, and other medical resources.
Health leaders say the need is great. An estimated 30-40% of people in the community lack consistent access to ongoing health care.
For patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, the program goes even further. Doctors combine medical care with customized weekly meals designed by nutritionists to support each patient’s condition and improve outcomes.
“In addition to medicine, we provide nutritional support so we can better manage their health,” said Dr. Subhakararao Medidi of Suncoast Community Health.
Leaders believe this personalized approach can reduce hospital visits while improving long-term health outcomes across the region.
“The next step we’re taking is how can we make people even healthier,” Mantz said.
The new Suncoast Neighborhood Health Clinic is officially open! For more information on services and eligibility, please visit https://feedingtampabay.org/.
