Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare honor and present Full Circle Health with the Governor’s Proclamation, declaring October 2019 as Hunger Awareness Month

Did you know that 1 in 6 children in Idaho are food insecure which increases health risks and developmental and emotional problems? Or that Food insecurity significantly increases the risk for adult chronic disease? Many people are not aware of resources that are available. Food insecurities happens to all types of people and may be well hidden.

The Food is Medicine partnership between the Idaho Hunger Relief Task Force and Full Circle Health began in 2015 at the Fort Street Clinic (Now Idaho Street Clinic).  The clinic initiated the nationally validated 2-question food insecurity screen or Hunger Vital Sign™.  Follow-up to positive screens involved all social determinants and resource development for those needs.

In 2016, the screen was placed in the electronic medical records and the program expanded to other Full Circle Health clinics.  Since 2017, those patients screening as food insecure and having a co-morbid diagnosis or diet-related disease are eligible for the Prescription for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables.  This is a 4-month program for diabetic and pre-diabetic patients to increase daily intake of fruits and vegetables with the goal of improving A1Cs.  Patients are given 4 months of vouchers that act as cash with 8 produce and grocery store vendors across the Treasure Valley. 

The program has received support by the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation to conduct a third-party evaluation on the health outcomes and healthcare cost savings. View List of October Hunger Awareness Activities.

Read Governor Brad Little’s Proclamation

If you would like more information about the Food is Medicine program or Prescription for Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, you may contact our staff at (208) 954-8727.