Pharmacy, ‘Healthy Food Pantry’ Now Open At Newark Health Center

NEWARK, NJ — A new retail pharmacy and a “healthy food pantry” are open for business for all Saint James Health federally qualified health center (FQHC) patients in Newark.

Earlier this week, city officials and administrators with RWJBarnabas Health held an opening ceremony for the new pharmacy and food pantry at Saint James Health, 228 Lafayette Street (watch the video below).

According to a news release, the new pharmacy and pantry will improve access to prescriptions and health food in the nearby community. Here’s what to know about each:

PHARMACY – The on-site pharmacy provides 340b discounted medication and education to patients and allows patients to pick up prescriptions at the time of their appointment, improving affordability of and access to vital medication. This model also improves quality of care by facilitating close, direct access of Saint James doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists as they collaborate as a clinical care team.

‘FARMACY’ – The Food “Farmacy” is a healthy food pantry offering fresh produce, refrigerated food and shelf-stable food for Saint James Health FQHC patients who have received referrals from their physician or other clinician. The Food “Farmacy” improves access to healthy food in an area identified as a food desert. As part of the program, a registered dietician provides nutrition counseling and education to help participants learn how to cook and eat healthfully to improve chronic conditions and to understand why healthy eating is important for overall health and well-being. The Community Food Bank of New Jersey supports this effort as an agency partner of RWJBarnabas Health and Saint James health to enhance the supply of shelf stable products available at the Food “Farmacy.”

As a federally qualified health center, Saint James Health is committed to treating every person that visits its centers, regardless of their ability to pay. The organization operates community health centers in the East, West and South Wards of Newark.

The pharmacy and pantry were created in partnership between RWJBarnabas Health and Saint James Health FQHC through funds from the “Our Healthy Newark” grant, a $25 million appropriation from the state of New Jersey.

“You can actually help people live longer lives if you give them access to food, because food is medicine,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“You give access to a primary care physician, access to housing or access to a healthier environment, it will actually add years to your life,” Baraka added. “Families and kids can come here for primary care physicians because that is number one. Number two, they can come here to get medicine, and then go upstairs and get some food. That’s the trifecta and it’s incredible.”

New Jersey Sen. Teresa Ruiz also cheered for this week's opening.

“Accessibility to fresh food, making sure there is access to health care, affordability in medicines – this is a one-stop-shop to make sure Newark residents can thrive,” Ruiz said.

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