O

ver the last 10 years, many major employers in the Oxford Hills region have closed, the manufactured housing industry largely disappeared, and unemployment and underemployment is high. The downturn is severely impacting families already at the low end of state income averages. Fully 12% of Oxford County residents live in poverty (US Census) and more than 60% of children receive free or reduced lunch (ME Dept. Education). Growing numbers of people are experiencing food insecurity. In response, we started our soup kitchen in 2008. Food insecurity is especially detrimental to recently discharged patients recovering from surgery, chronic disease or other impairments. Eric Coleman, professor of medicine and head of the Division of Health Care Policy and Research at the University of Colorado says, “the role of nutrition is likely entangled with chronic illness, frailty, [and] socioeconomic status.” It’s estimated that one-third of patients are malnourished upon hospital admission and another one-third will become so while hospitalized (Hospitals & Health Networks). After discharge, many patients experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and lack of mobility, resulting in nutritionally inadequate meals or no meals at all. Under-nutrition negatively affects patient outcomes, drives up overall health care costs and plays a role in increased hospital re-admission rates. Care transitions in rural areas rarely include nutrition management, although it is widely acknowledged as a significant unmet need.

Medical Service Provider Referral Forms

Please click the link below to download the fallible referral form.

Feel Better Food Home Meal Delivery Program