Supporting diabetic Veterans facing food insecurity
At the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, a new pilot program is taking shape to assist diabetic Veterans who are facing a growing challenge: food insecurity.
The Diabetes Emergency Food Bag Pilot Program aims to provide targeted nutrition support and education to Veterans who need it most, helping them better manage their health while addressing a critical social determinant of health.
The initiative was developed after recognizing a gap in targeted food support. While general food pantry resources exist, they are not tailored to Veterans managing chronic conditions like diabetes, where consistent access to appropriate foods is essential.
“This program started from a broader goal of improving food access for Veterans who screen positive for food insecurity,” said Bay Pines VA Nutrition and Dietetics intern Julia Marie Litherland. “We initially explored redistributing excess food from hospital operations, but after encountering barriers, we pivoted to a clinic-based approach that could realistically meet their needs.”
Improving food access to support diabetes management
During fiscal year 2025, staff at Bay Pines VA conducted more than 65,000 food insecurity screenings for all Veterans, with more than 1,300 Veterans identifying challenges accessing consistent, nutritious meals.
“Food insecurity directly impacts diabetes management,” Litherland continued. “When Veterans don’t have reliable access to balanced meals, it can lead to both low and high blood sugar, increased A1C levels, and even hospitalization. This program connects food access directly with clinical care and nutrition education.”
Each food bag will include shelf-stable, diabetes-friendly items such as lean proteins, whole grains, low-sodium vegetables and low-sugar options. Veterans will also receive educational materials and simple, diabetes-friendly recipes to help support long-term self-management. The program will start by providing one food bag per month to Veterans, with goals to increase frequency based on the data collected and Veterans’ needs.
“This isn’t just about providing food,” Litherland explained. “It’s about giving Veterans tools and knowledge they can use beyond just the food. Food is a basic need and no Veteran should have to choose between their health and access to food.”
The program took approximately eight months to develop and involved collaboration across multiple departments, including dietitians, diabetes educators, Center for Development and Civic Engagement leadership, and volunteers.
“This initiative represents a collaborative effort to address a real and visible need among Veterans,” Litherland added. “It reflects our commitment to whole-person care, addressing not only medical needs, but also the social factors that impact health.”
Looking ahead, Bay Pines VA leaders hope to expand the model to support Veterans with other chronic conditions. Veterans who are facing food insecurity are encouraged to contact their primary care team for assistance.
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I’m a veteran and a widow still raising grandkids. Is there anything helpful for me in Southshore Riverview, Hillsborough County?
At 83 and only receiving SS beneifits, making budget very strained. NGArmy National Guard Tennessee.
Also my rent is 1555.00. May have to move! Any suggestions? Live in Chattanooga, Tn
How does one get more information and to act on it?
How can o e get the recipes for Diabetic meals. Yes 80% disability and diabetic, Vietnam Vet.
I’m interested in the diabetic diabetic food bag program .?
That is excellent program and if can I would like to try out see what happens
Please let me know soon thx
How can I apply for this program?
Food Insecurity is a ‘Buzz Word For’ Double Talk.
If anything there is too much food that’s why there is a Obesity Epidemic which leads to Diabetes.
Go after the corporations who manufacture the foods that lead to obesity.
Address the source of the problem first.
It sounds like you have never missed a meal for any reason. You are addressing the global view, which does not help folks like us at all. My husband and I are both diabetic seniors. He has very limited mobility and can’t drive. When I make the grocery run, I will be laid up for 3 days after. We live 45 miles from the closest grocery store. I make that trip once a month in good weather. What we have access to in our town is similar to a convenience store with few food choices and high prices. We can get a box of food from the county food bank once a month. They supply some veggies, canned hamburger, and lots of food we can’t eat. We also get $24 per month in Food Stamps. We can get many food products shipped to us, but they must be shelf-stable (no produce, no frozen, and limited dairy). In short, our main choices are canned veggies and limited proteins.
Our home is paid off, and it is not worth enough to sell it to relocate to a larger town. We are left with few choices and few options.
This article is good news but it lacks specifics of the type of foods a diabetic person should consume. I am diabetic and so far the VA has done little to prevent me from having diabetes and the medicine I am taking the VA does not provide them (manjaro and synjardy) if it was not for this medicine my diabetes will be out of control and my A1C will be off the charts.
the article Diabetic Food Bag Program is really Laking information. How about some info on the products that are included.
Sounds good. Would like more Information.
I am a very senior retired veteran and would also like information on the program, or at least the publications and food directions.
How may I participate in this program?
Yes I too am a disabled veteran with diabetes among other issues. I have a family with two teen boys. We have a lot of times throughout the month when we are food insecure. I am not eligible for SNAP benefits. My sugars are all over the place. Even when we use food pantries, we still don’t have enough. Some food pantries don’t want you to use multiple pantries. Money is tight so we do the best we can to stretch food. I am currently on a liquid diet due to a swallowing disorder. I’ve lost 20 ish pounds in less than a month because I cannot afford to buy nutrition shakes. I’d like more information on this pilot program please. I’m in Philadelphia PA VA CMJC VAMC.
I too am a diabetic Philly vet from the Nam era. Blessings for you and yoru family
How can I find if if I’m eligible?
This seems like a wonderful program. To bad I live in Rhode Island. Thanks for sharing.
I would like more info on program for diabetes.
I am 100% disabled veteran and I can get any help with any of these programs that I’m reading on and I wonder why is this)
I am going be 83 July 30th. I spent 9 years is the great Army from 1958 till 1967, I could always need help because prices are SO MUCH HIGHER THEN BACK THEN!!! If I am elig. for this program…. Yes I am 100% diabetes
I’m interested
As a Caregiver, it is very much appreciated to see the support and concern extended to our Veterans. Disabled vets face multiple challenges; food insecurity for a diabetic is a great one to remove from that list! Thank you.
When have something that works let me know. I have struggled for a considerable long time. Besides starving myself I cannot I eat get till my reads below 145. I eat breakfast and it goes to 220 to 240. I don’t eat again till I get back down to 145. AT that time will be somewhere around 4:00pm. Then I don’t eat any more. Then I start all over again. I before I retired it was 150 to 168. Now I struggle every day. You may send me a message with any suggestions.
I am a veteran that is diabetic and congestive heart failure. How can I apply for this program?
That program sounds good to me since I have diabetes. I wish the Charles George Medical Center here in Asheville NC would start that program.
That is real interesting to even go that far assisting food for diabetes and high blood pressure cases.i think it is a very good thing.
This appears to be a good program.
I would like information to participate in this program
I am also vet with diabetes how do I Qualify for this program Live in PA
We need this program at Loma Linda VA healthcare system in California. It would be nice to have this program with diabetes management class.
I need this.
How do I get on this program, or qualify? I am a diabetic veteran.
How do I receive this program ?
I’d Like More Info Regarding This Program.
Thanks In Advance!
I’m a veteran with diabetes and would like more info on how to qualify for this program.