HealthLinc, in partnership with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, is extending its Food as Medicine program in East Chicago with support from the Foundations of East Chicago. The program helps patients manage chronic conditions while addressing food insecurity.

Over a five-month period, HealthLinc will provide 65 patients with food boxes purchased from the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana at a discounted rate. In total, 325 food boxes will be distributed. The boxes are designed for patients with conditions such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure, as well as those facing food insecurity.

The food boxes include nonperishable items such as canned vegetables, applesauce, multigrain pasta, peanut butter and more.

“Too many of our patients struggle to afford healthy food. With grocery prices rising, families across our region are feeling the strain. This program helps bridge that gap while supporting better health,” said Melissa Mitchell, HealthLinc CEO.

HealthLinc’s Food as Medicine program, launched in 2022, connects patients to healthy food and nutrition support. Patients also receive guidance from care teams, including a dietitian and community health navigators. The goal is to improve health outcomes such as blood pressure, weight and blood sugar levels while helping patients build long-term healthy habits.

In addition to food boxes, HealthLinc dietitian Cassidy Fowler will host three community food demonstrations between March and July. The events will show patients how to prepare simple, healthy meals at home.

“We are grateful to the Foundations of East Chicago for their investment in this work and our continued partnership with HealthLinc, which recognizes food as a critical part of overall health,” said Victor Garcia, chief executive officer of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. “Together, we are building a healthier East Chicago by treating food not just as aid, but as essential medicine.”

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana also offers mental health boxes designed for people struggling with anxiety and depression, and neonatal boxes focused on combating infant mortality.

HealthLinc serves thousands of patients in East Chicago each year and remains committed to improving access to care and addressing social drivers of health. Programs like Food as Medicine help patients stay healthy and reduce the need for emergency care.

For more information about HealthLinc and its programs, visit healthlincchc.org.