PIERRE, (KCCR) — Avera Health, as a system, has opened food pantries in many of it’s locations across South Dakota and a pantry in Pierre opened Wednesday. The pantry is intended to provide food for patients in need. Avera will be screening those with appointments at the Clinic in Pierre for food insecurity and those screen positive will get a bag of food during their visit. The so-called Wellness Pantry will offer a three-to-five day emergency food supply along information on local resources and food options to help those struggling to purchase groceries. A recent community health needs assessment conducted by Avera St. Mary’s indicated food insecurity as a top concern around the Pierre area. Sister Deb Nelson, Vice President of Mission at St. Mary’s says locating a food pantry on the St. Mary’s campus will directly support patients while reducing barriers including transportation, stigma and scheduling conflicts that can keep people from accessing help elsewhere. The pantry is funded through donations and a federal Health Resources and Services Administration grant, and is a partnership between Avera Operations, Avera Research Institute, Avera Community Partnerships and Feeding South Dakota.
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