Gainesville, FL – In June, UF HealthStreet launched the HOPE Food Pantry in partnership with Bread of the Mighty Food Bank. The initiative addresses hunger needs in our community which has been identified by nearly half of our HealthStreet cohort. HealthStreet is dedicated to reducing food insecurity in the community by offering nutritious food to those in need and connecting individuals to additional resources for comprehensive support. Since the food pantry opened, we have served 309 households representing 994 people. The HOPE Food Pantry provides various food categories including bakery, dairy, deli, dry grocery, produce, protein, and water. Community members can access the food pantry from Monday, 12 to 4 pm, Tuesday, 10 am to 4 pm, Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm, Thursday 12 to 4 pm, and Friday 10 am to 4 pm.
“We are thrilled to partner with Bread of the Mighty to provide nutritious food for people experiencing food insecurity in our community. By ensuring that people have reliable access to healthy food options, the HOPE Food Pantry helps prevent malnutrition and associated health issues.” says Dr. Robert Baez, Director of Operations at HealthStreet. “HealthStreet also serves as a hub for educational resources, such as nutrition information, empowering community members with knowledge and skills.”
Similarly, dental care remains a significant need in our community, and through a partnership with the UF College of Dentistry HealthStreet is hosting the Saving Smiles Program to promote children’s oral health by offering free, on-site preventative, and limited dental care. Over three days in May, 322 dental procedures were performed on 57 patients. The total value of care provided was $25,000 and the total cost to patients was $0. Because of this success, HealthStreet will now be hosting Saving Smiles for a weekly clinic on Wednesdays. To schedule an appointment, visit the Saving Smiles website.
Through these initiatives, HealthStreet supports community members in overcoming barriers to healthy living. Among our newly launched food pantry and our Saving Smiles partnership, we offer various health-related services, classes, events, and opportunities to participate in research. Learn more about our services on our website at https://healthstreet.program.ufl.edu/our-community-our-health-2/ and call us at 352-294-4880 to become a member today.
