Choice-style market to provide fresh groceries for up to 80 families each month
Earlier this month, All Faiths Food Bank marked the opening of its newest Wellness Market with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, the food bank has announced.
“The market will expand access to nutritious food for patients and families facing food insecurity,” a news release points out.
“Patients identified as food insecure during medical appointments will be able to ‘shop’ for groceries” in a “dignified, choice-style setting” immediately following their visits, the release adds. Then they will “be connected with All Faiths for additional food support and benefits assistance,” it notes.
“This partnership strengthens our commitment to addressing hunger as a critical health issue,” said Kristina Richardson, senior director of nutrition and wellness for All Faiths Food Bank, in the release. “By integrating food access directly into healthcare settings, we can intervene earlier, improve health outcomes, and reduce stress for families,” Richardson added in the release.
“Approximately 80 families each month screen positive for food insecurity through the Department of Health’s specialty services and Healthy Start programs,” the release says.
The new Wellness Market also will serve patients connected to the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and CenterPlace Health, “making it a centralized resource for multiple healthcare partners,” the release points out.
“Unlike traditional distributions, the Wellness Market model allows patients to select foods that best meet their household’s needs and cultural preferences,” the release explains. “The market features a variety of nutritious options, with an emphasis on fresh produce, frozen meats and staple grocery items,” it adds.
“We are very excited about this opportunity to enhance access to food for our clients while emphasizing the important role food and nutrition play in both medical treatment and wellness,” said Chuck Henry, the Sarasota County Health Officer, in the release.
“This site is the sixth Wellness Market launched by All Faiths, joining locations at DeSoto Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Outpatient Care-North Port, Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County, and Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center,” which was the first location to open in June 2024; it operates two markets, the release notes.
“The new location builds on All Faiths’ broader Food is Medicine initiative, which integrates food insecurity screenings, medically tailored nutrition support, and benefits assistance into healthcare environments across Sarasota and DeSoto counties,” the release adds. “By addressing food insecurity as part of clinical care, the organization aims to reduce hospital readmissions, improve chronic disease management, and strengthen family stability,” the release points out.
The March 2 ribbon-cutting “brought together team members from All Faiths and the Department of Health to commemorate the partnership and celebrate the market’s launch,” the release says.
“All Faiths is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization serving Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals each year in collaboration with more than 300 agencies and programs,” the release explains. Through innovative initiatives such the Wellness Market, the release adds, “the organization continues to expand its impact — ensuring food is not only accessible but also recognized as essential to health and healing.
For more information about All Faiths Food Bank and its Food is Medicine initiatives, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333.