SAGINAW, MI — In an effort to combat food insecurity and promote healthier pregnancies, CMU Health has launched a new food pantry initiative at its Women and Children’s Center in Saginaw.
The pilot program, created in partnership with the Eastern Michigan Food Bank and supported by a $5,000 grant from Molina Healthcare, aims to support pregnant patients participating in the CenteringPregnancy program. The goal is to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in the region.
“With the cost of essential items on the rise, this pantry aims to alleviate financial burden on patients, allowing them to focus on their well-being during pregnancy,” Kelly Ellis, women’s health nurse practitioner at CMU Health and CenteringPregnancy coordinator, said in a statement.
“By providing access to healthy food, we hope to reduce risks associated with poor maternal nutrition, such as low birth weight and other complications.”
The program addresses a critical local need. According to Feeding America’s 2021 data, more than 13% of Saginaw County residents — nearly 26,000 people — struggle with food insecurity and cannot consistently access nutritious foods.
Patients who attend a CenteringPregnancy session at the clinic, located at 1000 Houghton Ave., will receive a bag of healthy food items to help support both their pregnancy and the long-term well-being of their children.
“We understand healthy mothers lead to healthy babies and contribute to a thriving family and stronger community,” Dr. Samuel Shaheen, MD, president and CEO of CMU Medical Education Partners, said in a statement. “With this program, we’re offering emergency food assistance that is available right at the patient’s visit with us.”
CMU Health officials hope to secure additional funding to expand and sustain the initiative beyond the pilot phase.
For more information about the program, contact the CenteringPregnancy team at 989-746-7500.
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