Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia opens food pharmacy

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) opened a new food pharmacy for patients and their families Jan. 23. The Healthy Weight Food Pharmacy is the first pediatric hospital-based food bank and education center in West Philadelphia, according to an article in The Daily Pennsylvanian.

The pharmacy, funded in part by a $174,000 grant from Giant Food Stores, provides healthy food and educational outreach for patients at CHOP who have indicated they face food insecurity. Applicable families then receive a free three-day supply of healthy perishable and nonperishable goods. They will remain eligible to receive additional food if necessary in the future.

The pharmacy has provided almost 2,000 pounds of food to approximately 100 patients and their families since its unofficial opening in September, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Citywide, 21% of residents are food insecure.