Bayhealth honored with Wellness Leadership Award

DOVER — Bayhealth has received a 2024 Lt. Governor’s Challenge Wellness Leadership Award for its Hunger Relief Box initiative.

The prize recognizes the health system’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all Delawareans.

The Hunger Relief Box program emphasizes healthy living by providing low-sodium, low-sugar food boxes to discharging patients who have been identified as food-insecure.

Bayhealth started this effort at its hospitals in Dover and Milford in February 2023. To date, over 800 boxes have been distributed.

“Food insecurity continues to be a rising concern, and we have worked with partners such as the Food Bank of Delaware and Unite Delaware to give our patients the right connections to get the nutritious foods they need,” said Amanda Bowie, vice president of marketing, communications and community outreach.

Because of the program’s success, Bayhealth extended it to outpatient areas last fall. The boxes were available in practices where there was the greatest need, then grew to all outpatient locations across Kent and Sussex counties.

As a Hunger-Relief Partner with the Food Bank of Delaware, a patient’s care team can discreetly identify the need and provide the foods upon discharge.

The boxes are intended to be a short-term solution, while those individuals apply for long-term resources, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

For information, visit bayhealth.org/community-outreach.