St. Charles Health System has launched a new initiative to combat food insecurity in Central Oregon by providing grant funding to local organizations focused on improving access to affordable, healthy food. This initiative follows a recent survey indicating that 24% of respondents identified better access to nutritious food as the key factor to enhancing their overall quality of life, surpassing concerns about affordable housing and living wage jobs.
Addressing Growing Needs
The findings from the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment revealed a significant increase in concerns regarding food access, with the percentage of individuals prioritizing this issue rising from 15% in 2022 to 24% this year. In response, St. Charles Health System is allocating substantial resources over the next three years to target this pressing need within the community.
Carlos Salcedo, manager of community partnerships at St. Charles, emphasized the connection between food access and community well-being. “As people, we know that food and community often go together, and sharing a meal can bring people together and help reduce loneliness,” he said. This initiative will direct thousands of dollars in grants to organizations addressing food insecurity, fostering a sense of belonging, and reducing social isolation.
New Nutrition Program Launches
In addition to the grant funding, St. Charles is also launching a program named Fuel in March, specifically targeting patients diagnosed with malnutrition. Kelly Ornberg, manager of clinical nutrition services for St. Charles, explained that while the health system provides healthy foods to patients during their hospital stays, many struggle to secure affordable options once they return home. “About 11% of patients with malnutrition end up being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days,” Ornberg noted. “Our goal is to change that trajectory.”
The Fuel program will offer patients 30 days’ worth of shelf-stable nutritional supplements at no cost, addressing immediate dietary needs post-discharge. Following their release, outpatient dietitians will connect these patients with community resources for ongoing support. With initial funding, the program aims to assist approximately 500 patients across all four St. Charles hospitals.
St. Charles Health System, headquartered in Bend, Oregon, is a private, nonprofit organization and the largest employer in Central Oregon, employing over 5,000 caregivers. It operates St. Charles Bend, Madras, Prineville, and Redmond, along with various family care and specialty clinics.
This comprehensive approach to tackling food insecurity underscores St. Charles Health System’s commitment to enhancing community health and well-being through targeted interventions and collaborative partnerships. As the region faces increasing challenges related to food access, these initiatives could play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for many Central Oregonians.
