Despite advancements in cancer research, prevention, early detection, and treatment, groups that are economically and socially marginalized continue to bear a disproportionate burden of cancer incidence and mortality. According to research by Dana-Farber’s Pediatric Oncology department, one in five of the pediatric patients treated at Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic face food insecurity at the time of their cancer diagnosis. This number only increases during cancer treatment, as the financial burden of treatment continues to impact families.
To help combat food insecurity among cancer patients, Stop & Shop made a $1 million gift to establish the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Therapeutic Food Pantry.
The creation of the Therapeutic Food Pantry represents an equity-driven, cross-sector partnership to eliminate barriers that disrupt access to food and impact social determinants of health. The funds will be managed under the direction of Deborah Toffler, MSW, LCSW, senior director of Patient Care Services at Dana-Farber.
“We are so grateful to Stop & Shop for this gift,” said Toffler. “The stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment on top of food insecurity can be incredibly challenging. The Therapeutic Food Pantry will help provide nourishment and nutrition to our most vulnerable patients.”
Upon opening, the Therapeutic Food Pantry will initially focus on serving pediatric patients and their families before expanding to the adult patient population. It is anticipated that 140 patients and families will be served during the first phase of the program, based on the number of families who currently receive grocery cards through Dana-Farber’s Pediatric Resource Program. The initiative will provide families with access to shelf-stable and perishable food options. In addition, faculty will collaborate with clinicians and nutritionists at Dana-Farber’s Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living to ensure that patients and their families receive food options that are aligned with any pertinent cancer-specific nutrition recommendations. A vision for the future of the pantry includes a rooftop garden offering both fresh fruits and vegetables and a therapeutic space for patients, caregivers, and staff on the main Dana-Farber campus.
“We’re committed to addressing hunger in every community we serve,” said Gordon Reid, president at Stop & Shop. “We are thrilled that the establishment of the Therapeutic Food Pantry will make a profound difference to cancer patients and their families.”
For more stories about the impact of philanthropy at Dana-Farber, please visit DanaFarberImpact.org.