BAY PINES, Fla. — A Veterans Administration pilot program at Bay Pines is giving monthly food bags to qualifying veterans with diabetes who are also facing food insecurity, aiming to help them better manage their blood sugar through affordable food options.
Through the Diabetes Emergency Food Bag Pilot Program, the VA gives seven pounds of food each month to qualifying veterans. The program started in April and took eight months to develop.
“We are trying to put together some foods that are not only cost efficient, but also good to help manage blood sugar,” said P.J. Pivic, a diabetes education dietitian.
Pivic said one out of every four veterans in the VA receives care related to diabetes. He also said 1.4 million veterans are facing food insecurity.
“It’s rare to find a food support program that specifically caters to different conditions, diabetes especially,” Pivic said.
Army veteran Victor Nunez Jr., who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes more than 10 years ago, said the program has helped him get foods that support healthy blood sugar levels.
“You’ve got to get the right food. Food costs money, so I’ve got to be careful with what I buy,” Nunez said.
The bags include foods such as nuts, fruit and tuna. Nunez said the items help simplify his daily food choices.
“It tells me what things I can eat and what things I can’t,” Nunez said.
Pivic said other VA programs have addressed food insecurity, but this pilot program is designed specifically for veterans with diabetes.
“This is a much better way to start the conversation,” Pivic said. “To give an objective example of what a good option can be that is affordable and can hopefully inspire people to eat better for their blood sugars.”
More than 40 bags have already been distributed.
Bay Pines VA leaders said they hope the program can serve as an example for supporting veterans with other chronic conditions.