Each year, HCD International hosts a Clinical Food Pantry at a medical practice in Prince George’s County that participates in the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP).

The initiative addresses food insecurity as a social determinant of health, providing groceries and essential food items directly to patients who need them most. Sessions run yearly for four weeks during the summer.  Over the course of the program, the pantry has served hundreds of families.

The Challenge
The pantry is designed to reach a vulnerable patient population — specifically those who identify as experiencing food insecurity. By embedding the food pantry within a primary care setting, HCDI is able to connect patients to a critical resource at the point of care, helping address a barrier that can otherwise undermine health outcomes and treatment adherence.