Smart food lockers offer 24/7 access to refrigerated, frozen and shelf-safe food.
Reliable access to nutritious food is a critical component of good health. When individuals and families face food insecurity, it becomes harder to maintain a healthy diet, manage chronic conditions and prioritize long-term well-being.
Smart food lockers at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Eaton’s campus in Charlotte helps address this barrier by offering 24/7 access to refrigerated, frozen and shelf-safe food to residents facing food insecurity. The hospital worked alongside local organizations including Eaton Community Health, the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Eaton County Food Council and Capital Region Community Foundation to open its first locker in 2024.
“Communities depend on more than access to medical care to stay healthy,” said Linda Reetz, market president, U-M Health Sparrow Community Hospitals. “When our neighbors are worried about where their next meal will come from, staying healthy can become that much harder. We’re proud to work alongside our partners who helped bring this innovative solution to life and expand what healthcare delivery looks like in our community.”
Full-time access to the discrete, temperature-controlled lockers is designed to offer flexibility and accommodate those whose schedules don’t allow for a trip to a local pantry or other food distribution site.
“These lockers are evidence of the immense care this community has for its own,” said State Rep. Angela Witwer during the 2024 locker ribbon cutting. “These lockers are not only fighting food insecurity in Eaton County, but bringing new innovation to combat food insecurity in Michigan.”
Eligible residents can receive a code from Eaton Community Health to access the food lockers at all hours. Those interested in learning more or getting involved are encouraged to visit the Eaton Community Health webpage.
To learn about other stories of innovation advancing care across Michigan, visit mihospitals.org. Members with questions may contact the MHA communications department.
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