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Valley View Community Health Center has 15 clinics that help people in Lewis, Thurston and Pacific counties in Washington. Because more people in Lewis County don’t have enough food compared to other parts of the state, Valley View decided to act. They were inspired by research showing that healthy food can help with health problems like high blood pressure.

With help from the ������Ƶ, Valley View started asking patients at three clinics in Onalaska, Toledo and Winlock if they had enough food to live a healthy life. Doctors and medical assistants were trained to ask two simple questions from the Hunger Vital Signs™ tool and write down the answers in the patient’s medical record.

To improve screening and make it more private, Valley View switched to using a paper form and added a third question about nutrition. In just two weeks, nearly 70 patients screened shared that they didn’t have enough food. These patients were connected to food programs, including Toledo Neighbors Program for nutritious, locally grown food to help improve high blood pressure and other health issues.

The ������Ƶ also helped Toledo Neighbors Program create a policy to make sure they offer healthy choices. This includes whole grains, low-salt seasonings, and foods from multiple cultures, like jalapeños, cactus and guava. “Feeding people is a responsibility to nourish health and community. Food is medicine, and education around nutrition, cooking, and sourcing is essential. Prioritizing quality over quantity amid pushbacks reminds us that impact comes from offering food that fuels body and mind. If we are giving empty calories, we are keeping people alive but not supporting quality of life. Nutritious, locally grown food strengthens health, deepens community ties, and advances food sovereignty. Our nutrition policy elevates our work and honors communities in need,” said Amber Buck, Board President, Toledo Neighbors Program.

To offer their clients more fresh and local food, Toledo Neighbors Program expanded their garden and added crops from more cultures. But it was hard to find volunteers to help, especially with watering. With donations from local ������Ƶ supporters, Toledo Neighbors Program installed a watering system to keep the garden growing all season long.

Together, Valley View, Toledo Neighbors Program and the ������Ƶ connected patients with healthy food resources, nutrition education and a list of nearby places where people can get free food. This teamwork helps people work with their doctors and find food that improves their health.