Champ’s Cupboard at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Expands Nutrition Support for Families
For families navigating the stress of a child’s hospitalization, access to nutritious food can be a significant, often overlooked, challenge. Recognizing this need, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt launched Champ’s Cupboard, a hospital-based nutrition resource program, just over a year ago. The program has quickly become a vital support system, providing food assistance to families experiencing food insecurity.
Addressing Food Insecurity in Pediatric Care
Food insecurity, defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as “the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways,” affects a substantial number of families. A 2024 Vanderbilt Child Health Poll revealed that more than 40% of Tennessee families with children reported experiencing food insecurity.
How Champ’s Cupboard Works
Champ’s Cupboard operates as a central access point for food resources, serving families both during a hospital stay and upon discharge. The program identifies families in need through a standardized screening form, available in English, Spanish, and Arabic, administered during the hospital admission process. Families identified as food insecure receive a “Accept-Out Ticket,” which can be exchanged for a nonperishable food box from Second Harvest Food Bank or a family-size frozen meal from the Nashville Food Project. These items can be collected at the Family Resource Center or delivered directly to the patient’s room.
Impact and Positive Outcomes
In its first year, Champ’s Cupboard distributed food to 235 families, with 98% of recipients reporting that the assistance was helpful. Program surveys indicate that 87% of participating families experienced increased satisfaction with their hospital admission. Families have shared that the program provided essential support during difficult times, with comments like, “It gave us food we didn’t have given that we were struggling,” and “The meal got us through when we needed it.” Notably, half of the families participating in the program were introduced to a new food item through the initiative.
Expanding Resources and Community Partnerships
Beyond the core food distribution, Champ’s Cupboard has expanded its offerings through collaborations with local organizations. During the agricultural growing season, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine students partnered with the Rooted Community Health program to redirect surplus produce from community-supported agriculture programs to families in need.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, the Champ’s Cupboard team is focused on enhancing the program’s inclusivity and responsiveness to diverse dietary needs. Plans include increasing the availability of culturally appropriate foods and developing specialized options for families with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free boxes created in partnership with the Celiac Clinic. The program’s ordering process has also been integrated into the Epic electronic health record system to streamline identification of families who could benefit from assistance.
“I perceive very grateful that hospital leadership prioritized taking a chance on this to support our families and that others are invested and interested in this operate,” said Cristin Fritz, MD, MPH, a pediatric hospitalist at Monroe Carell. “Participation from the hospital and community partners shows the value that people place on this. We will maintain working together to grow this in a way that is best for families and meets their needs where they are.”
Champ’s Cupboard is supported by sponsors including Bank of America, Lee Company, and the Vanderbilt Department of Pediatrics.