To shorten the wait time for patients needing access to food, SSM Health Monroe Hospital and SSM Health Monroe Clinic Medical Group created an onsite food closet. 

During appointments with patients in primary care, pediatrics or behavioral health, those who identify as food insecure are given a slip to redeem for an immediate-need food bag. 

The bags are filled with non-perishable food items provided through a partnership with Green Cares Food Pantry in Monticello, Wisconsin. The bags also include printed resources in English and Spanish with local food pantry information and other important community resources. In addition, SSM Health shares hiring information for entry-level positions at its facilities.

“The food closet gives us an opportunity to give our food insecure patients assistance immediately,” shared Community Health Specialist at SSM Health Monroe Hospital Tammie Jamiska. “The bags help them get through a couple days until they can establish with a local food pantry.” 

SSM Health debuted the food pantry in Monroe in August 2022 and has expanded to include four more clinics in Wisconsin. Plans are in progress to also offer this program in additional departments in Monroe, as well as five clinic locations in Illinois.

Since launching, more than 25 patients have received immediate-need food bags.