Healthy Eating,Your Way

Food can be a pathway to a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention. When you think of “Food As Medicine,” you can use nutrition and food choices to prevent, manage, or even treat chronic conditions and promote overall health.

A Healthier FutureStarts with Food

Cook County Health believes access to nutritious food is essential for achieving health equity. Through our Food As Medicine initiative, we connect patients to food resources that support long-term wellness.

Food As Medicine uses nutrition and food choices to prevent, manage, or even treat chronic diseases and promote overall health. Cook County Health’s Food As Medicine team partners with clinical staff to integrate healthy eating and proper nutrition into medical care to improve outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and empower individuals to take control of their health.

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Prevent Chronic Disease

By promoting a nutrient-rich diet, Food as Medicine seeks to prevent or delay the onset of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Improve Patients’ Health Outcomes

Enhance the management of chronic diseases by integrating dietary changes with conventional treatments to improve overall health and quality of life.

Reduce Healthcare Costs

By focusing on prevention and managing conditions through nutrition, healthcare costs associated with treating chronic diseases can be lowered.

Increase Patient Empowerment

Help individuals understand the impact of their diet on their health, giving them tools to make informed food choices.

Supports Community Health

Build sustainable, accessible, and culturally appropriate food systems that promote health at the community level.

Increase Access

Food as Medicine increases access and availability of nutritious food, including fresh produce, for those who may face barriers or limitations to eating healthy.

Nasz Partnerships

We work alongside trusted partners to deliver programs directly to our communities:

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These programs are available exclusively to Cook County Health patients through a provider or clinical staff member referral.

Food Pantries

Cook County Health offers food Pantries exclusively for its patients. The food pantries are designed to provide healthy food options that emphasize:

Whole foods such as fresh produce, dairy, lean meats and proteins
Low-sodium, no-sugar-added canned goods

By offering healthy foods that align with nutritional needs, the program supports better health outcomes, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life.

The pantries serves as a vital resource for CCH patients experiencing food insecurity and managing conditions that can be improved through proper nutrition.

*Please speak with your CCH provider or clinical staff member to see if you qualify.

Locations and Hours:

Food Pantry at Belmont Cragin Health Center

5501 W. Fullerton Ave,
Chicago, IL 60639

Wednesdays, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For Belmont Cragin patients referred by a provider or clinical staff member.

*Operating hours are subject to change.

Food Pantry at Provident Hospital of Cook County Health

500 E 51st St, Chicago, IL 60615

Thursdays, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

For Provident and Bronzeville patients referred by a provider or clinical staff member.

*Operating hours are subject to change.

Medically Tailored Meals (MTM)

In partnership with Greater Chicago Food Depository, we deliver meals to patients with chronic conditions or barriers to in-person pickup. Meals are customized to support specific health goals.

*Talk to your provider or clinical staff member to find out if you’re eligible.

Nutrition Education & Wellness Classes

Nutrition Education

Workshop(s) enrollment, recipes, or meal-planning guidance, demo videos.

The Lifestyle Center Class

This class provides education and activities on how to make lifestyle changes to improve one’s health. Must be recommended by providers or approved clinical staff. Offered at Stroger and Provident Hospital locations.

FoodCare with CountyCare

CountyCare is a top-rated, no-cost Medicaid plan made for Cook County residents. CountyCare members have access to FoodCare, a free personal nutrition program.

FoodCare provides a personal dietician. Your dietician can help with conditions like diabetes and obesity. FoodCare also has a digital app that helps with meal planning and shopping on a budget.

To enroll, CountyCare members can call 312-864-8200 or countycare.com/rewards/#foodcare.

Healthcare Connections

Looking for more support? Find links to trusted healthcare partners, clinics, and insurance help.

Make a Health Appointment

Talk to a Dietitian or Lifestyle Expert

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Links

Cook County Health Resources

The Lifestyle Center

Cook County Health is committed to empowering those we serve to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors. CCH has multiple options throughout our system for patients to connect with lifestyle experts such as registered dietitians, physical therapists and behavioral counselors.

At CCH’s Lifestyle Centers, patients can access education on healthy eating, exercise, and stress management for those needing chronic disease and/or weight management.

To connect to our Lifestyle Center or dietitian services, schedule an appointment with one of our Primary Care Providers and request a referral.

Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program

WIC is a nutrition program for anyone with child dependents who meets income requirements. Children until age 5 may also be eligible for WIC, even if they already have SNAP benefits.

WIC provides food benefits such as milk, eggs, cheese, peanut butter and other nutritional foods. Breastfeeding counseling and nutrition education are also provided.

WIC Office Locator
bit.ly/WICOfficeLocator
1-800-323-4769 (voice)
1-866-295-6817 (TTY)

WIC assistance is available at the following CCH Health Centers: