Strengthening food security across Emory is focus of this year’s National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, an annual observance sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to raise awareness of healthful eating. The month also recognizes frontline nutrition professionals - including registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered - who improve individual and community health through evidence-based nutrition interventions.

This year, Emory is celebrating National Nutrition Month with increased food availability and accessibility across shifts and locations, in response to employee feedback regarding limited availability for night shift workers and a desire for sustainably sourced, healthy food options.

Efforts across Emory to fight food insecurity

Food insecurity - the limited or uncertain access to enough food for an active, healthy life - is a social determinant of health and affects physical well-being and quality of life across the lifespan. Nationally, 13.7% of U.S. households experience food insecurity. Georgia exceeds the national average at 14.6%, reinforcing the need for targeted food security initiatives.

Across Emory Healthcare and Emory University, a wide range of ongoing initiatives work to strengthen food security and promote access to nutritious meals for employees.

Employee food pantries

Employee food pantries are available at Emory University Hospital (EUH), Emory University Hospital Midtown (EUHM), Emory Decatur Hospital (EDH) and Northlake (EHI). The Office of Well-Being (EmWELL) manages the EHI pantry; others are managed by the Food and Nutrition Services teams.

Pantries offer primarily non-perishable items, but select locations provide refrigerated space for perishable foods. The EUH pantry is also open to the community.

Anyone can donate items to the employee food pantries; collection bins are set up in the hospital cafes at EUH and EUHM, and the EHI pantry accepts online donations.

Learn where each Emory Healthcare pantry is located and who to contact for more information.

Emory Community Fridge and Pantry

The Emory Community Fridge and Pantry is available to any member of the university community. Located on the first floor of the Alumni Memorial University Center, the best way to keep track of what's available is by following @emorycommunityfridge on Instagram.

Contact to learn more about making donations or hosting a sandwich making party to support the fridge. The Emory Community Fridge and Pantry has an Amazon wish list for anyone interested in seeing what items are needed.

Emory student food resources

The Food Security Safeguard Program (in partnership with Student Case Management and Intervention Services) is designed to assist any Emory undergraduate or graduate student with an immediate food security need on Emory's Atlanta campus. After completion, students receive three meal swipes for the Dobbs Common Table (the DCT) for immediate use.

Student Health Services offers a range of resources and programs, including free, unlimited access to nutrition counseling with registered and licensed dietitians. Any enrolled student can schedule a meeting and learn how to maximize their nutrition on any budget or meal plan.

Bread Coffeehouse, located at the edge of campus, offers a free food pantry for students at Emory who are in need. The Eagle Food Co-op is open on Fridays during academic semesters from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Oxford College food resources

On the Oxford College campus, the Offices of Civic and Community Engagement, Student Success and Support Initiatives, and the student-led Food Recovery Network have partnered to develop a Community Fridge and Pantry in the Oxford Student Center. Pop-up markets held throughout the year help meet students' food and other essential material needs in accessible and stigma-free ways.

Other work on the Oxford campus connects wellness, education and sustainability. The OxWell Initiative collaborates with the Oxford Organic Farm to provide nutrition education and access to fresh, locally grown produce for students and the broader campus community (including Emory's Atlanta campus).

Teaching kitchens and cooking demonstrations

A teaching kitchen is currently in development at EUH to provide culinary and nutrition education for employees, patients and students.

Mobile teaching kitchens operated by Food and Nutrition Services teams at EUHM, EDH and Emory Hillandale Hospital deliver hands-on cooking demonstrations across Emory sites and in the community. Partnerships with the Fulton County Health Department and other organizations feature seasonal, WIC-eligible recipes.

A partnership with Open Hand Atlanta provides cooking classes and nutrition education to employees.

Expanded food access

Self-service, 24-hour mini markets will open later this year at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, EUHM and Emory Long Term Acute Care.

Additional initiatives include pop-up farmers markets with Eat Right Atlanta, local sourcing partnerships with The Common Market, and food recovery efforts with Second Helpings Atlanta.