Nutrition Pathways: Food as Medicine
This intensive nutrition support program takes a multi-faceted approach to supporting patients living with food insecurity. In partnership with healthcare centers and hospitals across Long Island, the program addresses hunger’s root causes by providing intensive nutrition counseling plus access to healthy food, cooking supplies, nutrition education, and additional resources that help keep patients and their families healthy.
This past year, Nutrition Pathways: Food as Medicine, operating at five community-based sites and in partnership with Catholic Health, Harmony Healthcare, Northwell Health, and Sun River Health, provided:
- 1,800+ individual nutrition counseling and education sessions to patients
- Distributed over 1,800+ nutritious food packages to program participants
- Made 650 community referrals for SNAP application assistance, local food pantries, rent, housing, and other assistance
Nutrition Workshops
Island Harvest dieticians and nutritionists deliver ongoing nutrition and cooking demonstration workshops direct to our neighbors in need in partnership with our member food pantries, soup kitchens, and community centers. Workshops offer free resources and recipe tastings, and are led by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), trained nutrition professionals, and student RDN interns. See some of our resources, including recipes and cooking demonstrations here.
Agency Training
Island Harvest’s Registered Dietitians offer nutrition training to the leadership and staff of our member food pantries, soup kitchens, and community centers.
Often delivered in conjunction with our Food Safety and Agency Orientation programs, these sessions emphasize the importance of safe food handling and the critical role of nutrition in health. By integrating these key components, we help strengthen the capacity of our partner agencies to support long-term health and wellness in their communities.
Healthy Pantry Partners
Island Harvest dieticians and nutritionists work closely with our member agency food pantries to create environments that promote and support healthier food choices. Through guidance and practical strategies, we assist pantries in organizing their spaces, displays, and food offerings in ways that encourage clients to choose more nutritious options. This collaborative approach helps reinforce positive eating habits and empowers clients to make informed decisions that support their overall health and well-being.
Dietetic Internship Program
Island Harvest Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) provide hands-on supervision to dietetic interns enrolled in accredited internship programs approved by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Through this mentorship, interns develop essential skills in nutrition education, community outreach, and program implementation, while contributing to Island Harvest’s mission to end hunger and reduce food waste on Lond Island.
Medicaid Enhanced Nutrition Services
In partnership with the Health Equity Alliance of Long Island (HEALI), Island Harvest offers eligible Medicaid members the following services to support better health outcomes.
- Nutrition counseling and education
- Fresh produce and non-perishable groceries
- Medically tailored and nutritionally appropriate food prescriptions
- Screening, eligibility assessment, social care navigation, and care management
For more information on Nutrition Pathways, contact:
Melissa Klein, MPH, RDN
Nutrition Pathways Program Supervisor
Office: 631-873-4775 ext. 234
Melissak@islandharvest.org