The impact of the Food Pharmacy is significant. Patients enrolled in NGH’s care management program receive a prescription for medically tailored foods designed to stabilize their condition. Many who visit the Food Pharmacy struggle with food insecurity, making it nearly impossible to maintain a diet that aligns with their healthcare needs. The Food Pharmacy removes this barrier.
According to Dr. Webb, since the Food Pharmacy opened, NGH has seen a 20% increase in patients successfully managing their diabetes compared to 2019.
For patients like Arleen Hicks, featured in The New York Times, the program has been life-changing. Hicks, who is unemployed and diabetic, shared how easy-to-follow recipes and fresh food access have helped her regain control of her health.
"This place has been heaven-sent," Hicks said as she picked up fresh zucchini and tomatoes at the Food Pharmacy.
Why This Matters
The reality is stark: One in seven American adults has Type 2 diabetes today—up from one in 20 in the 1970s. For many, the root cause isn’t medical—it’s financial. A lack of access to nutritious food drives up the prevalence of chronic illnesses in underserved communities.
Dr. Webb argues that treating food as medicine isn’t just about improving individual health—it’s about reducing the broader burden on the healthcare system.
"If we can control diabetes through diet, we can keep people from having a stroke and ending up in the ER," he explained.