Food Farmacy, Grocery-Style Food Pantry, Opens In Danbury

**News Release Submitted by State Representative Rachel Chaleski**

Nov. 3, 2023

State Representative Rachel Chaleski (R-138) applauded the opening of the Food Farmacy at the Danbury Community Center on Wednesday, November 2. The collaboration between Nuvance Health, Connecticut Institute For Communities, the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut and The Community Action Agency of Western CT started enrollment the week before. Chaleski presented a citation to representatives from those agencies on behalf of the Danbury legislative delegation in recognition of the years of collaborative work and opening of the Food Farmacy. Rep. Farley Santos (D-109) also delivered remarks.

Patients of Nuvance and CIFC could get a referral for a prescription for heart healthy foods if they are diagnosed with hypertension or food insecurity. Patients will be screened and enrolled in the program located at the Community Center on Boughton Street. Produce prescription programs generally provide fruit and vegetables at low or no cost.

"I am grateful for the addition of this grocery-style food pantry to help residents fight food insecurity and shop for foods tailored to their specific health needs. Finding low-sodium, low-sugar or low-fat products can be difficult, and cost more, which is a challenge for the participants this facility will serve," said Chaleski.

At the Food Farmacy, participants are provided with nutritional counseling and will have access to a social worker if needed. In the future, the Food Farmacy could be opened to patients with diabetes, congestive heart failure or pregnancy. They will also offer nutrition and recipe cards alongside the produce and other items and food preparation skills classes through UConn Extension.

Patients enrolled in the program can take whatever quantities of items they need from the Food Pantry, though organizers say depending on how quickly they build up the program dairy and meat products may be limited.

"I was pleased to learn that staff shops locally and at farmers markets to source the produce, but also that Stop & Shop gave Food Farmacy a discount on dry goods like spices that are difficult to find. Participants will have as smooth a transition as possible with flexible hours because staff say they will find out a patient's existing shopping pattern as they are enrolled," said Chaleski.

A recent United Way of Western Connecticut surveys found that 50%+ of working adults find it a challenge to pay for food and 11% of households in this region, including older adults are food insecure.