In Norfolk’s Berkley neighborhood, a clinic visit can lead to more than a prescription — it can also mean a bag of groceries.
Just steps away from a Sentara Community Care Center, a walk-in pantry open to anyone in need is providing fresh produce, meat and other staples, part of a growing effort to treat food insecurity as a health issue.
“We wanted to make sure it was truly community-facing,” said Community Care Regional Director William Crawley. “Anyone who needs food assistance can come, register and receive help.”
Two years after launching the Community Feed, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore and Sentara Health have provided nearly 500,000 meals and served more than 40,000 people.
But as federal benefit cuts loom and demand continues to climb, both partners said the pressure on food systems is only growing.
“There are some high food insecurity rates in Berkley,” said Chris Tan, the foodbank’s president and CEO. “Sentara recognized there are health issues in the community that can’t be addressed by health care alone, but also by access to healthy food.”
Traditionally, food banks have focused on shelf-stable items like canned goods that last longer. But this site is shifting toward more fresh produce and protein.
“We want to make sure that the produce and protein that comes off your plate when you have limited resources. That's what the food bank can focus on, ” Tan said.
Tan said produce distribution has grown by roughly 70% over the past two years, reaching nearly 8.7 million pounds annually. Protein options include chicken, ground beef and occasionally fish.
Providers at the nearby clinic can also refer patients directly to the food hub, especially those managing chronic conditions where diet is critical, such as diabetes, said Sherry Norquist, Sentara’s director of community engagement and impact.
She said improving access to healthy food is increasingly seen as part of long-term health care.
“Long-term healthy foods going into a person’s body is going to mean long-term health and mitigating chronic diseases,” Norquist said.
In 2024, Sentara reported $329 million in community benefit, with the majority supporting uncompensated and charity care. As part of that community benefit, Sentara invested $40 million, which was focused on social drivers such as food insecurity, access to care, supporting behavioral health and strengthening workforce training, said Brand Engagement Advisor Jason Quinn.
Though recent cuts to programs such as SNAP and Medicaid have not fully hit communities yet, the effects could become more visible in the coming months, Tan said.
“The number of neighbors in line is not going down. It’s going up,” Tan said. “That’s what’s even more concerning.”
In other parts of Hampton Roads, food pantry providers are also reporting a drop in fresh food donations as grocers turn to AI to make stocking more efficient — meaning less produce and protein left over for community groups.
Tan said the food bank is looking for ways to stretch resources, including expanding food rescue efforts, working with farmers and even investing in local agriculture to grow its own supply.
