In cancer care, food is medicine
Massey is committed to caring for the whole person through integrative approaches combined with cutting-edge medical care. Vital to that care is good nutrition. With more than 30% of patients reporting food insecurity, Massey is working to minimize the unique challenges patients face, including increased nutritional needs and added financial strain from medical expenses.
The In Cancer Care, Food is Medicine initiative works to improve access to healthy foods through collaborative research and coordinated support services in partnership with local and national organizations.
Questions? Contact us at MasseyFoodRx@vcu.edu or (804) 628-8372.
In Cancer Care, Food is Medicine aims to be a national role model for hospitals addressing food insecurity. This initiative is dedicated to pioneering evidence-based research, advancing nutrition education and promoting health advancement to minimize food insecurity in Massey’s patient population.
To ensure food insecurity it not a barrier to receiving life-saving cancer treatment, this initiative will:
- Screen all Massey cancer patients for food insecurity
- Ensure Massey cancer patients undergoing active cancer treatment have access to immediate food boxes for up to six weeks of their treatment and ensure they are connected to long-term resources
- Partner with national and local organizations to offer resources for food insecure patients actively receiving cancer treatment
- Offer education for food insecure patients on suggested nutrition and dietary guidelines during active treatment
- Foster cancer-related research to better understand the correlation between cancer and diet
These efforts are supported with initial funding from the McKesson Foundation, whose mission is to remove barriers to quality health care across North America. This funding allows the center to launch local partnerships to better serve Virginians facing cancer.
Community partners
- Feed More serves as a vital resource in the community, working to alleviate hunger and food insecurity across Central Virginia by distributing millions of meals annually to those in need. This partnership helps Massey provide patients with consistent access to food, supporting their overall health and well-being.
- Shalom Farms is a nonprofit and food justice organization located in Richmond, VA. With two production farms and innovative food access programs, Shalom farms has been working toward an equitable food system since 2009.
- Unite Us connects health and social care providers through a collaborative platform to streamline services and improve outcomes for individuals in need. All patients who receive food resources from Massey are referred to a Unite Us care team to provide additional community resources as part of Massey’s commitment to a comprehensive and holistic care plan.
Ways to support
If you are interested in supporting the Food is Medicine initiative, please contact Carissa Liverpool, associate director of development, at liverpoolc@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1450.
All cancer patients actively receiving care at Massey are screened for food insecurity. Based on responses to the food screening questions, a care team member may encourage patients to visit the Food Resource Center located on the AOP Ground (G) floor after your appointment. A Patient and Family Support Coordinator, located on the Ground (G) floor, is also available to connect patients with additional resources.
Learn more about Massey's Food Resource Center
Questions? Contact us at MasseyFoodRx@vcu.edu or (804) 628-8372. Please note, this email address is not monitored for medical inquiries. For specific medical questions or concerns, please consult your health care provider directly.
Patient Impact
The rate of food insecurity among cancer patients is much higher than the general population. Learn about Melissa’s experience as she undergoes active treatment.
Food Resource Center
Eligible patients actively undergoing cancer treatment at Massey are connected to the Food Resource Center, offering vital support for Massey patients in need of immediate food assistance.
