The Healing Pantry at DKH

Supporting Patients Beyond Their Hospital Stay

As part of our commitment to your care, Day Kimball Health and TEEG have partnered to provide food assistance for patients after a hospital stay. The Healing Pantry at DKH helps ensure patients have access to food and resources during a critical transition in their care. 

Access to nutritious food plays an important role in healing and long-term health. Through our Community Health Needs Assessment, food insecurity was identified as a significant barrier to health in our region. The Healing Pantry is part of our Community Health Improvement Plan and reflects our commitment to addressing social drivers of health through meaningful community partnerships. 

How the Program Works

Patients who may benefit from The Healing Pantry are identified by clinical staff using a screening tool. Once identified, our Nutritional Services staff distributes shelf-stable food items that align with each patient's discharge diet and medical needs. This may include options such as low-sodium items for patients with heart conditions or sugar-free items for patients managing diabetes. 

In addition to food assistance, patients receive a local resource guide that includes information on how to contact TEEG and other organizations for continued support. This approach helps ensure patients are supported not just at discharge but as they continue their recovery at home. 

How You Can Help

Community support plays an important role in the success of The Healing Pantry. Monetary donations are the most effective way to support the program. Through our partnership with TEEG, financial contributions can be stretched further to maximize support for patients. 

In addition to monetary donations, we accept donations of shelf-stable food items that meet our patients' dietary needs, including:

Pantry Staples 

• Canned proteins (e.g., tuna, chicken) 
• Nut Butters (e.g., peanut butter, almond butter)
• Canned or dried beans
• Shelf-stable or powdered milk
• Meal replacement shakes and protein drinks
• Grains (e.g., brown rice, whole wheat pasta)
• Dry cereal
• Low-sodium canned soups
• Canned fruit (in water or 100% fruit juice)
• Low sodium/No sodium added canned vegetables 

Ready-to-Eat Meals and Snacks
Items for patients without access to stoves, microwaves, or refrigeration.

• Canned chili, hash, or ravioli with pop-top lids
• Instant oatmeal
• Applesauce
• Packets of tuna or chicken salad
• Granola bars (soft or crunchy)
• Crackers 
• Trail Mix

To donate, please contact the DKH Foundation office at (860) 928-7141.