OAHHS Fall/Winter 2018

27 Fall/Winter 2018 Samaritan Health Services  SHARE PROGRAM TO ASSIST WITH PATIENT RECOVERY Samaritan Albany General Hospital and Linn-Benton Food Share have recently joined forces to provide SHARe boxes to food-insecure patients who are recovering from an illness or medical procedure. The SHARe (Stop Hunger to Accelerate Recovery) program provides a food box to patients leaving the hospital who may not have regular access to nutritious food. Provided by Linn- Benton Food Share, the food box is filled with frozen meat, canned and boxed foods, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The boxes are designed to last seven days. Registered dietitians at Samaritan Albany General Hospital have created meal plans and simple recipes that incorporate items found in the box to help the patients maximize the nutritional value. “When you’re not used to using a particular item, it is hard to think of a use for it,” said Suzanne Watkins, registered dietitian at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. “Our meal plans help use all of the items in a tasty way.” Patients can receive three additional SHARe boxes, delivered by Linn- Benton Food Share, in the weeks immediately following discharge from the hospital. “The SHARe boxes have been a great way to help our patients with their recovery. They receive the nutrition they need to recover in the short-term, and are connected with local food resources that can help them stay healthy and well-nourished in the long run,” said Watkins.  H