To enhance community health through better nutrition, the Pikeville Medical Center launched its ‘Food Is Medicine’ initiative, a program designed to integrate nutritious food into healthcare practices.

This initiative aims to address chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes in the region, particularly in Eastern Kentucky, which has some of the highest rates of diet-related illnesses in the state, according to program participants,.

During the launch event, PMC President and CEO Donovan Blackburn emphasized the importance of nutrition in healthcare.

“Today, we are taking a significant step towards recognizing food not just as sustenance, but as a vital part of medical care,” Blackburn said, “This initiative is about fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and local farmers to ensure that nutritious foods are accessible to those who need them most.”

The event featured a special proclamation by Pikeville Mayor Jimmy Carter, who declared Oct. 29, as ‘Food Is Medicine Day’ in Pikeville. He highlighted the critical role nutrition plays in the health and well-being of the community.

“Access to healthy food is essential for managing chronic diseases,” he said, “This initiative will not only improve health outcomes but will also support local agriculture.”

Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, a fifth-generation farmer, also addressed the need for the initiative.

“We must prioritize fresh, local food in our healthcare systems, as hospitals are often the largest food consumers in their communities,” he said. “By shifting our focus to local produce, we can enhance both health and economic vitality in Eastern Kentucky.”

Shell elaborated on the initiative’s three main goals: increasing the availability of fresh food in hospital cafeterias, creating more ready-to-eat options for patients and visitors and developing medically tailored food boxes for those with specific health needs.

According to Shell, the ‘Food Is Medicine’ initiative will also look for ways to leverage Medicaid and SNAP benefits to provide access to fresh, healthy food for low-income families. The program aims to educate patients on the importance of nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals, addressing a knowledge gap that often prevents individuals from making healthier choices.

During the event, Blackburn reflected on the challenges many face in accessing nutritious food.

“It’s not enough to simply provide fresh food; we also need to ensure that our community understands how to use it,” he said, “We are committed to offering resources and education to help our patients make informed dietary choices.”

The initiative is expected to have a significant economic impact as well, creating demand for local farmers and fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and agricultural producers.

“By sourcing food locally, we can support our farmers while simultaneously improving health outcomes in our community,” Shell said.

As the ‘Food Is Medicine’ initiative takes root in Pikeville, both Blackburn and Shell expressed optimism about its potential to transform healthcare in Kentucky.

“This program is not just about food; it’s about building healthier communities,” Blackburn said.

Shell said, “Together, we can create a future where nutritious food is accessible to everyone, and health is a priority for all.”