Aspirus Langlade Hospital - Antigo, 2025 Community Benefits
Expanding Healthy Food Access for Patients with Diabetes
Over the past year, Aspirus Health has expanded its Food is Medicine work through a new partnership with NourishedRx, bringing high-quality, individualized nutrition support directly to patients’ homes. This innovative program ensures that patients living with type 2 diabetes in Aspirus Home Health Programs not only receive the medical care they need, but also the nutritious food and education that can help transform their health. The 12-week program provides eligible patients with a pantry starter kit, six home-delivered boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables, monthly consultations with a registered dietitian, and access to practical nutrition education and resources. By combining direct access to healthy foods with personalized coaching, the program empowers patients to build confidence in the kitchen, increase energy levels, and learn strategies to make healthy eating affordable and sustainable.
This initiative builds upon Aspirus’ Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx), which for years has connected patients with produce through seasonal farmers markets. But as Aspirus clinical staff recognized, many homebound patients who could benefit most from FVRx were unable to attend farmers markets in person. To meet this need, Aspirus piloted the NourishedRx home delivery option in August 2024, ensuring that patients could receive produce boxes regardless of mobility, transportation, or seasonality barriers.
“Through this expansion, we’ve been able to meet patients where they are,” said Meghan Mattek, Community Health Improvement Specialist with Aspirus Health. “We know that food insecurity is a barrier to managing chronic conditions like diabetes. By bringing healthy food directly to the home and pairing it with coaching, we’re not just addressing hunger—we’re empowering people with the knowledge and confidence to manage their health long-term.”
Aspirus Langlade Hospital has been one of the program’s highest utilizers, reflecting both strong community need and enthusiasm for the service. By expanding beyond traditional clinical care, Aspirus is addressing the broader social factors that influence health and creating sustainable pathways to healthier living.
This initiative builds upon Aspirus’ Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx), which for years has connected patients with produce through seasonal farmers markets. But as Aspirus clinical staff recognized, many homebound patients who could benefit most from FVRx were unable to attend farmers markets in person. To meet this need, Aspirus piloted the NourishedRx home delivery option in August 2024, ensuring that patients could receive produce boxes regardless of mobility, transportation, or seasonality barriers.
“Through this expansion, we’ve been able to meet patients where they are,” said Meghan Mattek, Community Health Improvement Specialist with Aspirus Health. “We know that food insecurity is a barrier to managing chronic conditions like diabetes. By bringing healthy food directly to the home and pairing it with coaching, we’re not just addressing hunger—we’re empowering people with the knowledge and confidence to manage their health long-term.”
Aspirus Langlade Hospital has been one of the program’s highest utilizers, reflecting both strong community need and enthusiasm for the service. By expanding beyond traditional clinical care, Aspirus is addressing the broader social factors that influence health and creating sustainable pathways to healthier living.
