Bridging Health and Hunger: POBC's Partnership with OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital

FOOD FOR HEALTH

In 2022, OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital launched the Nourish program to address the often-overlooked issue of food insecurity among families during hospital stays. Recognizing that hospitalization can strain a family's resources, the program aimed to provide immediate nutritional support to caregivers.

A survey conducted by OHSU highlighted the severity of the issue: 59% of caregivers reported not eating despite being hungry, and 66% had to reduce or skip meals while their child was hospitalized. Factors such as stress, financial constraints, and reluctance to leave a sick child's bedside contribute to this hidden hunger.​

OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP

To extend support beyond the hospital, the Nourish team partnered with Portland Open Bible Community Pantry (POBC) to establish the Food for Health Network—a program led by Betty Brown, Executive Director of POBC. Under her leadership, this initiative connects families to a network of 10 local food pantries across Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties, ensuring access to healthy, culturally appropriate food upon discharge.

Families are now able to order groceries online with options for pickup or home delivery using a digital platform called Full. The user-friendly interface supports multiple languages and accommodates various dietary preferences, aiming to make nutritious food accessible to all. ​OHSU News

The Food for Health Network exemplifies how healthcare and community organizations can collaborate to address social determinants of health, ensuring that families have the necessary resources to support recovery and well-being after hospitalization.​

You can be part of this vital work. Whether through a donation, volunteering, or sharing our mission, your support helps ensure no family goes without the nourishment they need during recovery.