Tackling Food Insecurity with Compassion and Community Partnerships at La Rabita Children's Hospital

Becker’s Healthcare Podcast featured an insightful episode titled "Tackling Food Insecurity with Compassion and Community Partnerships at La Rabita Children's Hospital", released on June 28, 2025. Hosted by Chris Ose, the episode delves into La Rabita Children's Hospital's dedicated efforts to combat food insecurity among its young patients and their families through innovative programs and community collaborations.

Introductions and Background

Chris Ose welcomed the guests, Dr. Sarah Hohen, Chief Medical Officer at La Rabita Children's Hospital, and Christina Lindboom, Program Director of Care Coordination and Social Work at the same institution.

Dr. Sarah Hohen shared her extensive medical background:
"I'm a pediatrician by training who is board certified in critical care medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, and general pediatrics. Here at La Rabita, we have kids with complex medical needs and a lot of kids with technology. We're focused on helping our kids live their best lives while improving our engagement with the community" (00:24).

Christina Lindboom outlined her role and focus:
"I am a licensed clinical social worker for the last 25 years, focusing on acute hospitalization and community mental health. My team's mission is to address the psychosocial needs of our families and the social determinants of health that affect them daily" (00:57).

Addressing Food Insecurity at La Rabita

The conversation centered on food insecurity, a critical issue affecting many families in Chicago. Dr. Hohen highlighted alarming statistics:
"About one in four children in Chicago face food insecurity, and in our immediate area on the south side, it's closer to one in three" (01:59).

She elaborated on how hunger impacts patient engagement:
"If families are hungry, their ability to engage with care providers diminishes. Sometimes, offering a granola bar or apple juice can significantly improve their mood and interaction" (02:00).

To combat this, La Rabita modeled their approach after the Feed First Pantry developed by Stacy Lindau of the University of Chicago's Lindau Lab. This model emphasizes unobstructed access to non-perishable foods without barriers:
"We set up a bookshelf with non-perishables that families can take freely, ensuring no permission is needed. This allows families to pick up essentials like cereal or peanut butter easily" (03:30).

Program Feedback and Impact

Christina Lindboom provided insights into the program's reception and effectiveness:
"Our outpatient food pantry, located centrally for both inpatient and outpatient families, started two years ago. In the past year alone, we've served about 3,500 individuals with 75% of families utilizing the sign-in sheet" (04:32).

Families expressed immense gratitude:
"They say the pantry is a lifesaver, helping stretch their food budgets. Most are on SNAP, and our pantry supplements their benefits, allowing them to prioritize fresh produce and other essentials" (04:45).

La Rabita's leadership and staff have been overwhelmingly supportive, recognizing the critical need and appreciating the pantry's role in providing immediate assistance compared to other local pantries with limited hours.

Future Growth and Initiatives

Looking ahead, Dr. Hohen outlined ambitious expansion plans:
"We aim to increase access by introducing an inpatient pantry and an employee pantry. Additionally, we want to provide more fresh fruits and vegetables—possibly even starting a garden—to offer healthier options beyond non-perishables" (06:33).

She emphasized the importance of comprehensive food support:
"Many pantries offer items like macaroni and cheese, but without milk, families can't utilize them. We want to provide complete options that support entire families" (07:00).

Partnership with Just Roots: The Fresh Food Pharmacy

Christina Lindboom discussed La Rabita's collaboration with Just Roots, a local urban farm:
"Our partnership with Just Roots allows us to offer fresh produce through our 'fresh food pharmacy.' During the growing season, we can provide families with locally grown fruits and vegetables. This year, we're expanding to at least 30 families per session and have served about 535 families over the past three years" (08:01).

This initiative not only addresses hunger but also promotes healthier eating habits by providing access to fresh, nutritious foods.

Gardening Initiatives and Sustainable Solutions

The idea of establishing a garden at La Rabita was passionately discussed:
"We have a rooftop that we've envisioned transforming into a beautiful garden. Collaborating with the University of Chicago, which has rooftop gardens, we've already started receiving fresh produce during the summer months. Even small garden beds can yield significant produce, enhancing our food offerings" (09:12).

Dr. Hohen stressed the synergy between health and wellness:
"It's not just about alleviating hunger but also ensuring families have access to healthy, balanced diets. Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein are essential for their well-being" (09:30).

Advice for Other Healthcare Leaders

In sharing wisdom with other healthcare systems, Dr. Hohen offered straightforward advice:
"If you build it, they will come. There's a significant need for accessible food programs in hospitals. Ensure that families have non-judgmental, 24/7 access to essential foods to support their overall care" (11:01).

Christina Lindboom added the importance of community partnerships:
"Partner with local organizations and engage volunteer services. Whether it's stocking the pantry, donating food, or providing food drivers, community involvement is crucial for the success and sustainability of such programs" (11:20).

Conclusion

The episode concluded with heartfelt thanks to Dr. Hohen and Christina Lindboom for their dedication and impactful work in addressing food insecurity. Their comprehensive approach at La Rabita Children's Hospital serves as an inspiring model for other healthcare institutions seeking to support their communities holistically.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and future plans presented in the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the original content.