Recognizing that health extends beyond the hospital bed, NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk has opened a food pantry to address one of the main social drivers of health. The new pantry at the Patchogue hospital provides nutritious food to patients in need, supports healthier recovery and well-being, and reduces stress for patients and families during the transition from the hospital to the next steps in their care.

Addressing the social determinants of health—conditions in the environments where people live, work, and receive care that can influence their health or well-being—has been a priority for Kathryn Lang, DNP, RN, vice president of nursing and patient care services at NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk. Earlier this year, a sustainable patient clothing closet was also created to ensure all patients leave the hospital in comfort. The food pantry helps alleviate food insecurities faced by some of the most vulnerable. “Many staff who work at NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk also live in the community; they are passionate about caring for our patients,” said Dr. Lang.

The pantry opening effort, led by Michael DeCicco, director of patient experience and culture, and Samantha Suro, supervisor of volunteer and concierge services, was developed in partnership with Island Harvest and supported by donations from the Rotary Club of Patchogue and the generosity of local philanthropy. The pantry is located in the hospital’s main lobby, a space intentionally selected because it is the common pathway for patients and their loved ones before leaving the hospital.

“By opening this food pantry, we are helping address food insecurity as a critical social driver of health and ensuring that patients have access to nutritious food and supportive resources as they return home,” said DeCicco. “This initiative reflects our commitment to whole-person care and to supporting the well-being of the communities we serve.”

Patients facing food insecurity challenges identified through the hospital’s Social Determinants of Health questionnaire or referred by a member of their care team are eligible to receive free pantry items and nutrition resources at discharge.

The program reflects NYU Langone Hospital—Suffolk’s ongoing effort to remove barriers that affect health beyond the hospital walls and strengthen trust and connection with the community.

About NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone No. 1 out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers across the nation four years in a row, and it continues to have the most No. 1– and top 10–ranked specialties among medical centers in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across seven inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and more than 330 outpatient locations in the New York City area and Florida. The system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise.

Media Contact

James Iorio
Phone: 646-530-2710
James.Iorio@NYULangone.org