Access to affordable, nutritious food is crucial for good health, yet many Virginians, particularly in under-resourced communities, face barriers. People living in food-insecure households without reliable access to affordable, nutritious food are more likely to experience poor health across their lifespan.
VCHA’s Food as Medicine program uses nutrition-based initiatives to assist our member health centers and community partners in our joint efforts to improve nutrition status for patients and their health outcomes. Integrating nutrition into our healthcare system is a pertinent way for maintaining effective prevention and treatment for diet-related diseases.
In 2024, thanks to a grant from the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and aligning with our Vision for the Commonwealth of Virginia to have the healthiest population in America, VCHA launched a Food as Medicine program aimed at promoting optimal health through food and nutrition while alleviating the cost barrier to nutrition services.
VCHA member health centers will have direct access to a Registered Dietitian, who will offer:
Adrienne Harden, a Registered Dietitian with over five years of clinical experience, serves as VCHA’s Community Health Center Nutritionist. Before joining VCHA, she worked with adult and geriatric patients in hospital and long-term care settings. She has also worked with local community programs to educate children and adults on healthful nutrition.
At VCHA, Adrienne provides comprehensive nutrition assessments, nutrition counseling, and education to VCHA’s member health centers.
Patients are scheduled through referral coordinators or the health educator for referrals with the dietitian. Please have your referral coordinator and/or health education team contact Adrienne at aharden@vcha.org to ensure we provide our services tailored for your health center’s needs!
VCHA works collaboratively with partners, external organizations, and communities to advance Food is Medicine approaches across the Commonwealth of Virginia. We invite you to use the links below to connect with additional, reputable resources.
