Pilot program combats food insecurity among diabetic Veterans

By Michael Brock, Public Affairs Specialist, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

July 17, 2026

At the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, a new pilot program is taking shape to assist diabetic Veterans who are facing a growing challenge: food insecurity.

The Diabetes Emergency Food Bag Pilot Program aims to provide targeted nutrition support and education to Veterans who need it most, helping them better manage their health while addressing a critical social determinant of health.

The initiative was developed after recognizing a gap in targeted food support. While general food pantry resources exist, they are not tailored to Veterans managing chronic conditions like diabetes, where consistent access to appropriate foods is essential.

“This program started from a broader goal of improving food access for Veterans who screen positive for food insecurity,” said Bay Pines VA Nutrition and Dietetics intern Julia Marie Litherland. “We initially explored redistributing excess food from hospital operations, but after encountering barriers, we pivoted to a clinic-based approach that could realistically meet their needs.”