Pilot program combats food insecurity among diabetic Veterans

Supporting Diabetic Veterans Facing Food Insecurity

On Bay Pines VA Healthcare SystemA new pilot program is forming to help diabetic veterans 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 there are general food pantry resources, they are not tailored to veterans dealing with chronic conditions like diabetes, where consistent access to appropriate food is essential.

“This program began with the broader goal of improving food access for veterans who have screened for food insecurity,” he said Bay Pines VA Nutrition and Dietetic Intern Julia Marie Litherland. “We initially explored redistributing surplus food from hospital operations, but after encountering obstacles, we turned to a clinic-based approach that could realistically meet their needs.”

Improving access to food to support diabetes management

During FY 2025, Bay Pines VA staff conducted more than 65,000 food insecurity screenings for all veterans, with more than 1,300 veterans identifying challenges in accessing consistent, nutritious meals.

“Food insecurity directly impacts diabetes management,” continued Litherland. “When veterans don’t have reliable access to balanced meals, it can lead to low and high blood sugar, elevated A1C levels, and even hospitalization. This program connects food access directly to clinical care and nutrition education.”

Each food bag will contain diabetes-friendly shelf-stable items such as lean protein, whole grains, low-sodium vegetables and low-sugar options. Veterans will also receive educational materials and simple diabetes-friendly recipes to help with long-term self-management. The program will begin by providing one bag of food per month to veterans, with the goal of increasing the frequency based on data collected and veteran needs.

“It’s not just about providing food,” Litherland explained. “It’s about giving veterans tools and knowledge they can use beyond food. Food is a basic need and no veteran should have to choose between their health and access to food.”

The program took approximately eight months to develop and involved collaboration between multiple departments, including dietitians, diabetes educators, Center for Development and Civic Engagement leadership, and volunteers.

“This initiative represents a concerted effort to address a real and visible need among veterans,” Litherland added. “It reflects our commitment to caring for the whole person, addressing not only medical needs, but also the social factors that influence health.”

Looking ahead, Bay Pines VA leaders hope to expand the model to support veterans with other chronic conditions. Veterans experiencing food insecurity are encouraged to contact their primary care team for assistance.