CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 6, 2025 — Advocate Health today announced a $1 million donation to expand access to food for individuals and families during a time of growing need. This latest funding for key community-based programs builds on a $2.6 million year-to-date investment, reflecting the organization's deep commitment to ensuring access to nutritious food for all. In addition, Advocate Health is increasing efforts to connect patients with resources in their communities and encouraging teammates to volunteer their time to support food distribution.
According to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and meal programs, food insecurity affects one in eight households nationally, including more than 7 million people in the states served by Advocate Health.
“Nutritious food isn’t just a basic need — it’s the foundation of health,” said Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health. “Yet every day, hundreds of thousands of families across our communities are forced to choose between food and other essentials, leading to chronic illness, avoidable hospitalizations and preventable suffering. That’s why we’re providing additional funding to strengthen our partnerships with trusted community organizations that provide everything from fresh produce and pantry staples to meals tailored to patients’ health needs, so families can access the nourishment they need to stay healthy.”
The health system, which is the largest employer in many of the communities it serves, is deeply invested in a multi-state strategy to address social factors that impact health, including food security, affordable housing and employment. In 2025, the organization helped put healthy food on tables through over 100 programs, connecting tens of thousands of individuals and families to food, through medically tailored meals, resource navigation, food pantries, produce prescriptions, mobile markets and agriculture initiatives.
The organization also engages in detailed screening of its patients’ social needs. Over two million patients have already been screened this year alone, and referrals have been provided to over 80 community-based organizations using a data-driven approach to match patients’ needs with organizations that can help.
“We’re proud to stand alongside community partners who are tackling food insecurity with creativity, compassion and grit. This investment is about amplifying their impact and helping families in our communities thrive,” said Kinneil Coltman, Advocate Health chief consumer and social impact officer.
Supporting the food needs of the communities it serves is part of Advocate Health’s overall community benefit, which totaled nearly $6.2 billion in 2024. Equating to nearly $17 million a day, the investment is part of more than $18 billion in community benefit since the organization’s inception in 2022.
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