Saline Memorial Hospital launches ‘Food is Medicine’ pantry to help food-insecure patients
Thu, August 20, 2026 at 10:03 PM
A new food pantry at Saline Memorial Hospital is now open in an effort to address health outcomes by aiding patients in navigating through food insecurity and accessing healthier options. (Photo: Saline Memorial Hospital)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) —A new food pantry at Saline Memorial Hospital is now open in an effort to address health outcomes by aiding patients in navigating through food insecurity and accessing healthier options
In a partnership between Saline Health System, Tea Rose Community Collaborative and Arkansas Foodbank, the Food is Medicine Choice Pantry is a favorable reenges
“When we talk about healing, we’re not just talking about medicine,” said Char Boulch, CEO of Saline Health System
“We’re talking about the everyday things that help a body recover — nourishment, stability and knowing your community is behind you. This pantry is one more way we show our neighbors that their health matters and that they don’t have to face these challenges alone.”
According to a release, registered dietitians at Saline Memorial Hospital will provide recipes and healthy eating approaches to physicians and nurse practitioners who can equip patients with proper nutritional guidance
As individuals with special nutritional needs related to diabetes, high blood pressure, weight management and wound healing continue to benefit from the food pantry, as well as information needed to make informed food choices
During the hospital discharge process, hospital case managers are also permitted to refer patients to the pantry
“Together, we recognize the critical role that proper nutrition and access to healthy food play in improving health outcomes,” said Austin Sublett, community programs manager at the Arkansas Foodbank
“We are grateful for and proud of the dedication shown by Saline Memorial Hospital, our Arkansas Foodbank Program team, and the many neighbors who come together to help neighbors.”
Part of the Arkansas Foodbank’s Food Is Medicine program, there are currently 10 active Food is Medicine pantries in Central and southern Arkansas
Teri Todd, president of the Tea Rose Community Collaborative, views the collaborative opportunity as a broader community effort to address contributing factors that impacts people’s ability to maintain their health outside of a healthcare setting
Tea Rose Community Collaborative is an affiliated foundation of the Saline County chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
“The pantry is a meaningful example of what can happen when community partners come together to address a need that affects the health and quality of life of our neighbors,” Todd said
“Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to help make healthy food more accessible while supporting individuals and families as they work toward better health. We are proud to be part of an effort that brings healthcare and community re
