The VA Memphis Healthcare System opened a food hub at Lt. Col. Luke Weathers Jr. VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee, combining groceries with same-day access to social workers, dietitians and community resources. The facility, operated in partnership with Mid-South Food Bank, provides shelf-stable foods, frozen items, and fresh produce while offering referrals to services addressing housing, nutrition and other underlying causes of food insecurity.
Unlike a traditional food pantry, the model integrates social services into the visit. Rosemary Campbell, facility program coordinator for the food pantry program, said the approach addresses root causes: "The food hub not only provides food, but it also addresses the reason behind the need. If a Veteran is experiencing housing insecurity, we can offer them same-day referrals to social workers who can assist with that."
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Health Equity, Veterans are 7.4 percent more likely to experience food insecurity than non-Veterans. The VA's Food Security Office established a national food hub initiative to expand assistance beyond traditional pantry models by incorporating same-day referrals and support services.
The program is among approximately 50 VA facilities participating in the pilot program. Since opening in May 2026, the hub has connected 45 Veterans with food assistance and supportive services, distributing more than 2,300 pounds of food and providing nearly 1,850 meals to Veterans and community members, the VA said.