WAYCROSS, Ga. (May 9, 2023) – Memorial Satilla Health partnered with DC Downtown Food Ministry, Pierce County Food Pantry and Waynesville Church of God’s Food Distribution Program last month in an effort to improve our neighbors’ access to nutritious foods. Hospital employees collected more than 4,000 items during the month-long food drive.
“Here at Memorial Satilla Health, providing food that promotes good health is important to us. With this food drive, we hope to help stock healthy food in food pantries,” said Dale Neely, CEO. “When someone is sick, having to choose between food and treatment can lead to serious complications. For populations like children and seniors, a balanced diet can be particularly essential to succeeding in school, complementing medication, and battling disease.”
According to the USDA, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure. And, research shows someone who is food insecure has an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, stroke, mental health problems, depression, and other chronic conditions.
The goal of Memorial Satilla’s food drive was to collect healthy food options because for people facing hunger – it’s about more than food. It’s about providing wellness, nourishment, comfort, strength and peace of mind.
