Salem, MA (August 6, 2025) — The Salem Pantry is proud to announce a new pilot program to distribute medically tailored foodboxes designed to support individuals managing chronic health conditions. This initiative is made possible through a vital partnership with The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) and aligns with the growing Health Related Social Needs (HRSN) programs across Massachusetts.
Medically tailored food boxes are customized packages created to meet the specific dietary needs of patients living with chronic diseases. Curated by expert dietitians at GBFB, these packages aim to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by addressing nutritional requirements directly tied to medical conditions. The Salem Pantry is one of five organizations piloting the program..
Patients are first referred to GBFB dietitians from Mass General Brigham or Community Care Cooperative. GBFB dietitians then perform an initial nutrition assessment and identify an appropriate food box for their medical condition(s).
With food provided directly from GBFB, The Salem Pantry arranges the distribution of these specialized grocery boxes to community members throughout the North Shore. Each box contains a carefully selected variety of nutritious foods tailored to specific health conditions, with 90% of them delivered directly to individuals by members of The Salem Pantry team.
“GBFB dietitians have designed ten boxes for specific health conditions that contain produce and shelf-stable staples known to support the needs of different patients with different chronic health challenges,” said Cheryl Schondek, Chief Operating Officer at The Greater Boston Food Bank. “This program is an extension of GBFB’s overall commitment to empowering our community with a consistent supply of healthy food to promote positive health outcomes.
Each box includes vital pantry items, such as rice and grains, beans and other proteins, fresh eggs, and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. The food is intended to support healthy eating patterns, helping families maintain a nutritious diet at home.
The program specifically targets common chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, renal disease, lung and liver disease, and high-risk pregnancy. Each box is carefully prepared to meet the dietary needs of various conditions, with the flexibility to accommodate other medical requirements, such as gluten free options..
“We at The Salem Pantry have long recognized the role food plays in the health of our neighbors, especially those battling chronic conditions,” said Mike Lilley, Director of Programs and Partnerships for The Salem Pantry. “We are proud to play a role in getting this important resource to those who need it.”
For more information about The Salem Pantry, please visit thesalempantry.org.
About The Salem Pantry
The Salem Pantry is transforming the North Shore’s food system by providing fresh, free, and healthy food through The Market, mobile pantries, home delivery, and a dynamic food distribution hub. It serves 20% of Salem households, distributes over 275,000 pounds of food monthly, and supports 20 community organizations in bringing food directly to their communities. By combining direct service with collaborative partnerships, The Salem Pantry ensures convenient and equitable access to nutritious food throughout the region.