The first cancer patient food pantry opens in Roanoke at a clinic

Roanoke, Virginia – The first clinic-based food pantry assisting cancer patients receiving treatment has opened, as announced by Carilion Clinic, Blue Ridge Cancer Care, and Feeding Southwest Virginia.

Located in the Carilion’s Cancer Center, the facility is a common area where patients from both hospitals can consult with world-class oncologists. The goal of this project is to give cancer patients the essential nutritional support they require.

“Surgery, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments often result in specific dietary requirements,” noted Carilion Oncology Dietician Meredith Kantsios. “The program is another way for us to extend care beyond the bedside, meeting patients’ nutritional needs and providing treatment.”

A variety of foods selected to meet the dietary needs often associated with cancer treatments will be available in the pantry, which has been assembled by Meredith Kantsios, a dietician with Carilion Oncology.

Feeding Southwest Virginia supplied pantry staples such as pasta, cereal, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, peanut butter, and shelf-stable milk. Feeding Southwest Virginia, a food bank partner pantry will be the main supplier of medically appropriate food for the Cancer Center Pantry. Additionally, Blue Ridge Cancer Care has committed continuous funding to guarantee that the pantry is kept well stocked.

The president of Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Dr. David A. Buck, stressed the teamwork involved in this dietary support program.

“This initiative is a natural progression of our everyday collaboration. There is immense potential to make a positive impact on our patients and in our community. We look forward to exploring what more can be done to make our cancer centers sites of holistic care,” Dr. Buck said.

“We’re proud to partner with Carilion Clinic and Blue Ridge Cancer Care on this innovative food pantry,” Pamela Irvine, President and CEO of Feeding Southwest Virginia, said. “In the journey of cancer treatment, maintaining proper nutrition is paramount, and we recognize the critical role food plays in the healing process. The pantry is a powerful example of our collaborative efforts with food and medicine and will make a real difference in our neighbors’ lives.”

The food pantry located at the clinic is a step towards providing patients with comprehensive cancer care and is intended to symbolize the dedication of these organizations to helping patients during their treatment.