Saint Charles Health System has announced a significant initiative to combat food insecurity in Central Oregon by providing grant funding to local organizations. This program aims to enhance access to affordable, healthy food for residents facing economic challenges. The health system’s commitment is a direct response to findings from its recent 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, which revealed that 24% of Central Oregonians identified better access to affordable healthy food as the primary factor to improve their overall quality of life.
The survey results show a notable increase in concern about food access compared to previous assessments, where only 15% of respondents indicated this as their top issue in 2022. In comparison, concerns regarding affordable housing and living wage jobs were cited by 19% and 11% of respondents, respectively.
Targeted Community Support for Food Access
To address this urgent need, Saint Charles Health System will allocate thousands of dollars in grant funding over the next three years to organizations that focus on improving access to nutritious food options. Carlos Salcedo, manager of community partnerships for Saint Charles, emphasizes the interconnectedness of food and community, stating, “As people, we know that food and community often go together, and sharing a meal can bring people together and help reduce loneliness.”
This initiative follows the health system’s previous focus on reducing loneliness, which will continue alongside the new food access priority. The dual approach recognizes that fostering community connections can significantly impact residents’ overall well-being.
New Program to Combat Malnutrition
In addition to the grant funding, Saint Charles is launching a program called “Fuel,” aimed specifically at patients diagnosed with malnutrition. Kelly Ornberg, manager of clinical nutrition services, points out that while the hospital provides healthy meals during patient stays, many struggle to secure affordable food upon returning home. This gap contributes to a high readmission rate, with approximately 11% of malnourished patients returning to the hospital within 30 days.
The “Fuel” program will provide qualifying patients with 30 days of shelf-stable nutritional supplements at no cost. Following discharge, outpatient dietitians will connect these patients to community resources for ongoing support. With initial funding, the program aims to assist around 500 patients across all four Saint Charles hospitals.
Ornberg expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, noting, “It feels so good to be able to do something to help bridge that gap.” The collaboration between local organizations and the health system is expected to foster a stronger framework for addressing food insecurity in the region.
Saint Charles Health System, based in Bend, Oregon, operates several facilities, including St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville, and Redmond, making it the largest employer in Central Oregon with over 5,000 caregivers. The health system remains committed to addressing community needs and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
