Sentara strengthens Foodbank partnership, expanding access to health care and groceries
A new food hub in an underserved neighborhood in Norfolk will provide free groceries to residents and families while giving them a new way to access quality healthcare services.
The Community Feed at Berkley, located at 701 S. Main Street, opened its doors on Feb. 27. Sentara Health awarded the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore a $300,000 grant to complete the new Foodbank location which is located directly next door to the Sentara Community Care Center.
The partnership is designed to be a two-way street, connecting Foodbank customers with medical care and Sentara patients with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and non-perishable items.
“We are thrilled to see our joint vision come to life as we work together to address food and nutrition security and increase access to healthy foods,” said Heather Strock, executive director of operations for Sentara Community Care. “Access to nutritious food isn't just a matter of convenience or preference; it's a critical element in ensuring the total health of an individual.”
The Sentara Community Care Center at Berkley has seen 2,105 patients since it opened in August 2022. The center provides services ranging from annual physical exams to well-child checks, immunizations, cervical cancer screenings and support for mental health and substance use disorders.
In addition to providing direct medical care and behavioral health services, five full-time community health workers help patients with transportation and housing resources, Medicaid, Disability or Unemployment application assistance, and they can now refer patients to The Community Feed for fresh food.
“We are working in and with our communities to provide a more holistic approach to care,” Strock said. “We understand that food insecurity often intersects with other health-related challenges, such as chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and inadequate access to healthcare services.”
The Community Feed at Berkley is designed to resemble a small grocery store, providing a dignified shopping experience, where people can shop once a week for items that suit their dietary needs at no cost.
The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore will also offer educational programming at the site.
The Community Feed at Berkley is open to the public during the following hours:
- Tuesday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Wednesday: 3-7 p.m.
- Thursdays: 3-7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m.-noon
Aida Vicente, director of operations for Sentara Community Care in the Hampton Roads region, said “food is medicine” that protects against chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease, increases mood which helps with mental health issues, and improves dental health.
“It’s not just about offering primary care. It’s much more than that,” Vicente said. “It’s about a holistic approach to health care and closing the gap when it comes to eliminating food insecurity in the community.”
Since 2020, Sentara Health has gifted $5 million towards hunger relief across the Commonwealth, including $2.5 million to community-based organizations and $2.2 million to the Federation of Virginia Foodbanks which provides emergency support to numerous food pantries.
“This is part of a larger effort to build and establish hunger relief networks across the Commonwealth,” Strock said. “By providing access to healthy food, we are not only nourishing bodies but also nurturing spirits and fostering resilience.”
Later this year, Sentara will open two more Community Care Centers in Henrico (May 2024) and Newport News (October 2024). Both sites will have a food pantry adjacent to the clinic.
Sentara Community Care Centers:
- Berkley/South Norfolk: 701 S. Main St., Norfolk, Va. 23523
- Union Mission: 5100 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Va. 23502
- Potomac Center (Northern Virginia): 2296 Opitz Blvd., Woodbridge, Va. 22191
- Richmond, Henrico, & Petersburg: Mobile care available; center opening May 2024
Services vary by location and are designed to meet the individual needs of the community. Contact Sentara Community Care at (757) 388-1830 or visit www.sentara.com/communitycare for scheduling and services.