HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Meritus Health’s Food Farmacy program has passed a major milestone, serving its 1,000th referral while continuing to improve access to healthy food and support chronic disease management across the region.

Launched in 2025, the program provides “food as medicine” by connecting patients with condition-specific groceries, nutrition education and one-on-one guidance from a registered dietitian. Participants receive healthy food packages, typically valued at about $50 per week for eight weeks or more, to help manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.

For participants Bobby and Audie Dowler, the program has made a meaningful difference.

“They’re very good programs. I love them,” said Bobby Dowler. “The food demos are great, very delicious.”

Audie Dowler said the changes have helped her better manage her health.

“My blood sugars were way, way up, and I’ve been able to eat this food that they provide for us. It’s been very helpful.”

The Food Farmacy addresses food insecurity, a significant challenge for many in the region. Transportation issues, financial constraints and limited access to fresh food can make it difficult for patients to maintain healthy diets, which can lead to poorer health outcomes.

Participants say the program’s personal support is just as important as the food.

“They’re so caring, people that listen to your problems and try to help you,” Audie said.

Bobby added that he has “learned how to eat in moderation,” leading to “less and less candy and potato chips.”

Early results show strong engagement, with hundreds of patients enrolled and thousands of food pickups completed. Nearly half of referrals are related to diabetes, highlighting the program’s role in addressing diet-related conditions.

“We just hope this program can go on and reach a lot more people in the community,” Audie said. Learn more at www.meritushealth.com/farmacy.

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Meritus Health, Western Maryland’s largest health care provider, is located at the crossroads of Western Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the region by providing the best healthcare, health services and medical education. As an anchor organization for the community, Meritus has more than 4,000 employees and serves more than 200,000 residents of the tristate region through Meritus Medical Center, Brook Lane Health Services, Meritus Medical Group, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. More information can be found at www.MeritusHealth.com or visit our Facebook page or LinkedIn page.