St. Charles Health System is taking significant steps to combat food insecurity in Central Oregon by providing grant funding to local organizations focused on increasing access to healthy and affordable food. This initiative responds to the pressing need identified in a recent survey, where 24% of respondents indicated that improved access to nutritious food would greatly enhance their quality of life.
According to the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment conducted by St. Charles, this concern about food access has surpassed issues such as affordable housing, which was prioritized by 19% of respondents, and living wage jobs, a concern for 11%. This shift highlights an increasing urgency surrounding food insecurity in the region, prompting St. Charles to allocate substantial funding over the next three years to support community organizations dedicated to this issue.
Targeted Support for Community Organizations
The funds will be directed to initiatives aimed at improving access to nutritious food options. Community organizations will be encouraged to develop programs that not only provide food but also promote a sense of belonging, addressing loneliness and social isolation that often accompany food insecurity. Carlos Salcedo, manager of community partnerships for St. Charles, emphasized the interconnectedness of food and community, stating, “Sharing a meal can bring people together and help reduce loneliness.”
This new priority was approved by the St. Charles Board of Directors in February 2024 as part of a broader strategy to enhance community health. For the past three years, the health system has focused on combating loneliness, and this initiative will continue until at least 2028.
Addressing Malnutrition with New Programs
In addition to direct funding for food access, St. Charles is launching a program named “Fuel” aimed at patients diagnosed with malnutrition. This initiative is set to begin in March 2024 and will provide patients with 30 days of free, shelf-stable nutritional supplements upon discharge from the hospital. Kelly Ornberg, manager of clinical nutrition services, noted the importance of this support, explaining that many patients struggle to obtain affordable, healthy food after leaving the hospital, which contributes to a high readmission rate of approximately 11% within 30 days for malnourished patients.
Ornberg expressed her commitment to bridging this gap, stating, “It feels so good to be able to do something to help.” The initial funding allows the program to potentially assist around 500 patients across all four St. Charles hospitals, reinforcing the health system’s dedication to improving health outcomes in the community.
Founded in Bend, Oregon, St. Charles Health System operates multiple facilities and clinics throughout the region, making it the largest employer in Central Oregon with over 5,000 caregivers. In addition to its focus on food insecurity and malnutrition, St. Charles continues to provide comprehensive healthcare services to meet the diverse needs of its community.
This initiative underscores the health system’s commitment to addressing the social determinants of health, ensuring that all Central Oregonians have access to the resources necessary for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
