St. Charles Health System is taking significant steps to combat food insecurity in Central Oregon by providing grant funding to local organizations. This initiative will support community efforts aimed at improving access to affordable and nutritious food for residents in the region. The health system’s decision comes in response to alarming findings from the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, which revealed that 24% of Central Oregonians identified better access to healthy food as the most crucial factor for enhancing their quality of life.
The survey highlighted that concerns over food access surpassed issues related to affordable housing and living wage jobs, which were cited by 19% and 11% of respondents, respectively. This shift in priorities underscores the pressing need for effective community support in addressing food insecurity.
Funding Allocation and Community Focus
Over the next three years, St. Charles Health System will allocate thousands of dollars in grant funding to organizations dedicated to improving food access. These funds are earmarked specifically for initiatives that enhance the availability of healthy food options in the community. Carlos Salcedo, manager of community partnerships for St. Charles, emphasized the connection between food and community well-being, stating, “As people, we know that food and community often go together, and sharing a meal can bring people together and help reduce loneliness.”
In addition to food access, the health system’s funding will also support programs aimed at fostering community connections and reducing isolation among residents. This dual focus reflects an understanding of the complex issues surrounding health and well-being in Central Oregon.
Addressing Malnutrition in Patients
As part of its ongoing efforts, St. Charles is launching a new initiative called Fuel in March 2025, targeting patients diagnosed with malnutrition. Kelly Ornberg, manager of clinical nutrition services, noted that while St. Charles dietitians provide healthy food options during hospital stays, many patients struggle to secure affordable nutrition upon returning home. This gap contributes to high readmission rates, with approximately 11% of malnutrition patients being readmitted within 30 days.
The Fuel program aims to provide patients with 30 days of shelf-stable nutritional supplements at no cost, ensuring they have access to essential nutrition after discharge. Ornberg anticipates that the initial funding will help around 500 patients across St. Charles’ four hospitals. “It feels so good to be able to do something to help bridge that gap,” she remarked.
St. Charles Health System continues to play a vital role in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in Central Oregon, reinforcing its commitment to the health and well-being of the community it serves.
Founded in Bend, Oregon, St. Charles Health System is a private, nonprofit organization and the largest employer in Central Oregon, with over 5,000 caregivers and more than 400 active medical staff members. The health system operates multiple hospitals and clinics, providing a comprehensive range of healthcare services to the region.
