A look inside the Food Pantry with Erin Baker

Just about everything is easier when you have enough to eat – making it to medical appointments, managing chronic illnesses and mental health, and everyday to-dos are all more doable with a body and mind that’s been fed by healthy food.

At Evergreen’s Food Pantry we see first-hand the difference that access to good nutrition makes in the lives of the 800 community members we serve each month. “Everything starts with nutrition!” says Erin Baker, Evergreen’s Food Pantry Coordinator.

The Food Pantry isn’t just for Evergreen patients – it’s also for anyone in need in the 14201 zip code. As always, we don’t stop after connecting people in need with just one service that can help them. The Food Pantry works closely with other departments to connect their patients with any other Evergreen services that could benefit them, like housing, transportation, care coordination and programs at the THRIVE Wellness Center.

The Food Pantry is only one of the nutrition support services that Evergreen offers. Food Pantry patients can also benefit from nutrition education classes, special nutrition programs for people living with chronic illnesses like diabetes, and help with budgeting and shopping skills.

Erin gave us an inside look into the essential work she does in the Food Pantry, from how people in need can get enrolled in Food Pantry Services to her favorite part of her job.

How can people in need start using Evergreen’s food pantry services?

Most of our pantry patients are patients of Evergreen, but some are just community members. Staff members can submit a referral if they have a patient in need of food assistance, or patients can call on their own behalf. We complete a short intake, and can usually honor a same day appointment.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

Every day for me starts with a cup (or three) of coffee. I check in with emails and missed calls, re-organize the pantry, and check the schedule before 9. The calls typically start right at 9, and go until we close at 1. I take calls from patients, discuss their dietary needs and preferences, and prepare their orders. I meet up with them in the lobby to deliver their groceries. I’ve put a lot of mileage on our pantry cart! My afternoons are for data entry, special projects and food orders.

How do you work with other departments to care for the whole patient?

I receive referrals and questions from all over the organization. I work with the Care Coordination team often to secure food for their patients. I regularly refer Food Pantry patients to other departments as their first contact with Evergreen. Patients mention an unmet need of theirs, whether it be medical, housing, mental health etc, and I am able to help them bridge that need.

Why is having access to good nutrition important to health and wellness outcomes?

Everything starts with nutrition! Good nutrition is fuel for the bodies we call home. Maintaining a healthy diet can help to prevent diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A healthy diet can positively influence mental wellness as well.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of this work is getting to talk with people: patients and staff alike! I love having my regular patients I see every month. It’s so rewarding building relationships with my regulars. All the staff I’ve met and worked with have been so wonderful. Any day I get to laugh is a good day in my book.

If you are an Evergreen patient or a resident of 14201 who needs help with food, please give us a call at 716-847-2441.