Originally published: 2026-09-21T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
Addressing food insecurity through community partnerships
VA Memphis Healthcare System has reopened its food hub through a partnership with Mid-South Food Bank, creating a centralized location where eligible Veterans and community members can access groceries and supportive resources in one convenient location.
Located inside Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee, the food hub provides shelf-stable foods, frozen items, and fresh produce while offering same-day access to services that may help address underlying causes of food insecurity. Unlike a traditional food pantry model, participants can be connected with social workers, dietitians and community resources during the same visit, creating a more comprehensive approach to support.
“The food hub not only provides food, but it also addresses the reason behind the need,” said Rosemary Campbell, facility program coordinator for the food pantry program. “If a Veteran is experiencing housing insecurity, we can offer them same-day referrals to social workers who can assist with that. If they are having concerns related to their diet and health, we can also refer them to dietitians the same day. And if there are community services that can further support them, we can connect them directly to those services as well.”
Addressing Veteran food insecurity
Food insecurity remains a concern for many Veterans. According to VA’s Office of Health Equity, Veterans are 7.4% more likely to experience food insecurity than non-Veterans.
To help address that need, VA’s Food Security Office established a national food hub initiative that expands food assistance beyond the traditional pantry model by incorporating same-day referrals and support services. Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center is among approximately 50 facilities participating in the food hub pilot program, providing Veterans and eligible community members access to food alongside services that may help address housing, nutrition and other challenges contributing to food insecurity.
More than a pantry
The food hub is supplied through a partnership with Mid-South Food Bank, which supports approximately 360 partner agencies, including organizations like VA, throughout the region. Mid-South Food Bank also works with approximately 100 retail partners and distribution centers whose donations help stock the food hub with shelf-stable foods, frozen items, fresh produce, and other essentials for eligible participants and Veterans.
“Our role is to make sure our agency partners have what they need in order to help as many people in their community as possible,” said Christina Drones, Director of Agency Relations and Program Services for Mid-South Food Bank. “Because the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center has the capacity to safely store and distribute food, Mid-South Food Bank is able to provide a variety of items for the food hub, including fresh produce, meat, poultry, frozen foods, and non-perishable items.”
Meeting Veterans where they are
Since opening in May 2026, the food hub has connected 45 Veterans with food assistance and supportive services. During that time, the program has distributed more than 2,300 pounds of food, providing nearly 1,850 meals to Veterans and community members.
Those numbers are expected to grow as the pilot food hub model progresses.
Campbell said one of the program’s goals is to ensure individuals do not hesitate to seek assistance when needed.
“We are here to help. If someone needs help getting through a difficult month, we are happy to provide that support. If it’s an ongoing need, we can connect them with services that may help address the underlying issue.”
Campbell said she hopes the food hub helps reduce the stigma associated with asking for assistance.
How to participate
As VA continues to explore innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity, Veterans are encouraged to ask their local VA care teams about available nutrition and food services. Learn more about the roles of VA registered dietitians and additional food and nutrition resources available through VA healthcare.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
