Helping Patients Get Healthy Food in Lewis County

Valley View Community Health Center has 15 clinics that help people in Lewis, Thurston, and Pacific counties in Washington. Because more people in Lewis County don’t have enough food compared to other parts of the state, Valley View decided to act. They were inspired by research showing that healthy food can help people with health problems like high blood pressure.

With help from the American Heart Association, Valley View started asking patients at three clinics in Onalaska, Toledo and Winlock if they had enough food. Doctors and medical assistants were trained to ask two simple questions from the Hunger Vital Signs™ tool and write down the answers in the patient’s medical record.

To make things easier and more private, Valley View switched to using a paper form and added a third question about nutrition. In just two weeks, they found nearly 70 patients who didn’t have enough food. These patients were connected to food programs, including Toledo Neighbors Program for nutritious, locally grown food to help improve high blood pressure and other health issues.

The American Heart Association also helped the Toledo Neighbors Program create a policy to make sure they offer healthy choices. This includes whole grains, low-salt seasonings, and foods from multiple cultures, like jalapeños, cactus, and guava.

"Feeding people is a responsibility to nourish health and community. Food is medicine, and education around nutrition, cooking, and sourcing is essential. Prioritizing quality over quantity amid pushbacks reminds us that impact comes from offering food that fuels body and mind. If we are giving empty calories, we are keeping people alive but not supporting quality of life. Nutritious, locally grown food strengthens health, deepens community ties, and advances food sovereignty. Our nutrition policy elevates our work and honors communities in need,” said Amber Buck, Board President, Toledo Neighbors Program.

To grow more fresh food, Toledo Neighbors Program expanded their garden and added crops from more cultures. But it was hard to find volunteers to help, especially with watering. With donations from local American Heart Association supporters, Toledo Neighbors Program installed a watering system to keep the garden growing all season long.

Together, Valley View, Toledo Neighbors Program, and the American Heart Association created helpful tools like food boxes for different health needs, nutrition education for patients and a list of places where people can get food. This teamwork helps people work with their doctors to take care of their health and find the healthy food they need.