Trillium Health Receives Nearly $5 Million in Funding – Rochester Beacon

With a nearly $5 million investment from Monroe County, Trillium Health is poised to become one of the region’s largest food programs, officials say.

The dollars, part of Bring Monroe Back, are being used to renovate Trillium Health’s existing food pantry, increase the volume of food offered, support full-time staff and purchase a large freezer/cooler for storage. ARPA funds are also being used to open two mini-pantries at satellite locations, officials say.

Bring Monroe Back is the county’s plan to distribute American Rescue Plan Act funds. The county received more than $144 million in federal dollars.

Food insecurity is a major concern in Monroe County, says Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. This ARPA funding is a way for Trillium Healths patients to get a variety of healthier foods for free while giving families the flexibility to choose what they want. Monroe County fully supports Trillium Health’s mission of a holistic approach to a healthier community.

With offices at 259 Monroe Ave., Trillium Health is a community health center offering primary and specialty health care services. In addition to laboratory, pharmacy, insurance and mental wellness services, the organization also assists community members with food, housing and transportation, health awareness and reduction misdeeds.

Jason Barnecut-Kearns, President and CEO of Trillium Health, notes that food insecurity is associated with many social and health problems and is increasingly considered a critical public health issue.

The ARPA funds will allow us to significantly increase the number of people we serve in our food program, he said. This will also help support our medical care managers, who will connect community members to a variety of programs and services, leading to a fully holistic approach to healthcare.

ARPA funds will be used to hire medical case managers who will help provide health care coverage and other support services.

Trillium Health and its staff provide an essential service to our community. Every family deserves to have good quality food on their table and no one should have to worry about providing such resources, says Monroe County Legislative Minority Leader Yversha Roman.

In May, Feeding America reported that every county and congressional district across the country was facing food insecurity. The estimated percentage of the overall population that is food insecure ranges from a low of 2 percent in Griggs County, North Dakota, to 26 percent in the Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, states The report.

In Monroe County, based on 2021 data, the food insecurity rate is over 9 percent. A meal costs $3.93. Seventy-two percent of the food insecure population lives below the eligibility criteria for federal food assistance programs. Feeding America estimates it would take more than $50 million to meet food needs.

Over the past year, the Trillium Health pantry has served more than 1,300 people, officials say. It provided 4,500 meals with approximately 300,000 pounds of food. With a grocery store model, Trillium Health customers have the power of choice. This model results in less food waste, encourages healthy eating and provides food to the correct number of people in the household, officials say.

At Trillium Health, we are proud to serve everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of their ability to pay, ensuring everyone receives the high-quality, compassionate, non-judgmental care they deserve, says Barnecut-Kearns .

Smriti Jacob is editor-in-chief of the Rochester Beacon. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to ourcomment policyincluding the use of their real, full name. Submissions toLetters pageshould be sent to[email protected].

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