Are you coping with a medical condition and have difficulty accessing or
affording healthy food? The Independence Health System’s Food Institute at Butler Memorial
Hospital and Clarion Hospital can help! The Food Institute is the first
of its kind in the Butler and Clarion region and was established to give
everyone a way to stay healthy by learning about and eating healthier foods.
The Food Institute specializes in healthy eating for the whole family,
meal planning and preparing healthy recipes on a budget. During each monthly
appointment, a nutrition lesson and ingredients and cooking instructions
for 10 meals will be provided. Participants will also be linked to additional
services to manage chronic disease through lifestyle coaching and community
resources to improve overall health.
The Food Institute was created to make nutritious meals a reality for more
families in the region. To learn more, call
724-284-4504.
Food Insecurity Has Health Implications
Communities with the highest rates of food insecurity face a higher prevalence
for diseases and other measures that are tied to poor health.
Defining Food Insecurity:
Disruption of food intake because of lack of money or other resources
May be short term or long term
Risk increases when money to buy food is limited or not available
Neighborhood conditions may affect food insecurity
Adults who are food insecure are at increased risk for obesity and other
negative health outcomes and health disparities
Hear from local community members about how the Food Institute has helped
them to become healthier, more aware of their nutritional needs and how
to meet them.
The Food Institute relies heavily on philanthropy and grants as funding
sources. Please
consider donating to support this vital work. The greatest areas of need are listed below:
Food: Food Institute clients are provided a healthy food share at each monthly
visit that provides 10 meals for a family of 4.
$75 for initial food share for 10 healthy meals plus items to stock the pantry
$50 for follow up food share for 10 healthy meals
Utensils: Many families do not have basic utensils for food preparation. Utensils
are distributed based on need. An
Amazon wish list is set up to help make these available.
$25 for peeler, cutting board, meat thermometer and kitchen shears
$50 for one set of pots and pans, instant pot, or crock pot
Education materials: Clients are provided nutrition and lifestyle education as a way to gain
control of their health. Printed materials are part of the Food Institute
and Lifestyle Coaching curriculum:
$100 for 15 Food Institute education booklets
$75 for 10 Diabetes Lifestyle Coaching booklets
$50 for 10 Lifestyle Coaching Weight Management or Heart Healthy Seminar packets
Other: Please donate any amount and your money will be used for greatest need:
To order items from the Amazon Wish List,
click here.
To make a monetary donation in support of the
Food Institute,
click here.
Your generous donation will allow the Food Institute to continue its mission
in Butler and Clarion Counties and beyond.
