RWJBarnabas Health and Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) have officially opened a new Food Farmacy at MMC’s Alexander Pavilion, marking the health care system’s sixth location dedicated to providing patients with nutritious food and individualized nutrition counseling.
Established in partnership with regional food security leader Fulfill, the facility offers fresh New Jersey-grown produce, refrigerated items, shelf-stable foods, and culturally relevant meal options. The program also integrates clinical education focused on chronic disease prevention and management for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
“The fight against hunger and food insecurity is one of the most important fights in which we can engage to build a healthier Monmouth County and New Jersey,” Mark Manigan, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health said.
The initiative operates under RWJBarnabas Health’s Our Healthy Communities initiative, which addresses social determinants of health across the state with support from State appropriations. The network already includes Food Farmacies across Middlesex, Mercer, Hudson, and Essex counties.
Triada Stampas, President and CEO of Fulfill, emphasized the collaborative impact: “By combining Fulfill’s hunger-relief expertise with Monmouth Medical Center’s clinical and nutrition resources, this partnership will create a direct and dignified path to healthy food for neighbors who need it.”
The grand opening drew numerous healthcare leaders and public officials, including Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.; State Senator Vin Gopal; Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul; Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone; Long Branch Mayor John Pallone; and New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate Executive Director Mark Dinglasan.
“This Food Farmacy strengthens that commitment by connecting patients with nutritious food, clinical expertise and practical tools they can use at home,” Eric Carney, president and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center said.
