FOOD is
Medicine T
We look forward to making food central to our health care model.
hirty years ago, with the launch of the Special
Today, in the aftermath of full bellies and thankful hearts,
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
we prepare to take the next step in our food journey — the
Infants and Children (WIC) Program, CCI began
launch of a Food is Medicine Program. In the first phase,
making sure that families had access to foods
CCI will draw upon the expertise of our CCI–Greenbelt WIC
that support health and healthy growth. Last winter,
Manager, Sidelle Haynes. Haynes is a chef and registered
those years of paying it forward brought a bounty of
dietitian who will educate clinicians on nutrition principles
fresh, delicious food to CCI team members, thanks to the
and cooking techniques, supplementing clinicians’
generosity of Glenstone Museum.
training to include nutrition and food science, so they can
Glenstone’s culinary artists prepared box lunches laden with salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit, sides and a small dessert. Their targeted act of kindness paid homage to their core belief that “meaningful encounters begin with direct engagement.” It also gave us a glimpse of what
become co-facilitators for Food is Medicine workshops. The Food is Medicine Program will also increase our patients’ knowledge of nutrition, its role in their health, and increase their confidence in preparing healthy meals at home.
it feels like to be nurtured through nutrients during
We know that proper nutrition is a powerful tool for
hard times.
reversing the effects of chronic illness. In addition,
CCI’s work against food insecurity has continued to evolve through the years. In 2017, we added nutrition counseling and door delivery of fresh produce and vegetables for
Glenstone reminds us that food serves as a wonderful agent for strengthening bonds, providing comfort and communicating care.
families served by our medical division.
Sonya Bruton, Psy.D., MPA President and CEO CCI Health & Wellness Services
3
