Meals That Heal

For patients faced with a cancer diagnosis, it can be a stressful time for them and their families. Treatment therapies may affect a patient’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. Often, patients who are sick cannot continue to work, and so they endure financial hardship as well. All this makes it challenging to eat well, especially when good nutrition is more important than ever.

The staff at Virtua Health | Penn Medicine Radiation Oncology have established a special program to provide patients who are food-insecure with a weekly bag of non-perishable foods. These Meals that Heal bags are free-of-charge, and are provided to patients in need for the duration of their radiation therapy. Patients work closely with the program’s registered dietitian on meal planning and setting goals for good nutrition. Our team also connects patients to other helpful support services and resources, in hopes of reducing their overall stress.

Meals that Heal are made possible through the generosity of Virtua’s friends and benefactors. In 2023, our team provided 276 free bags of food and 615 bottles of Ensure to patients undergoing radiation therapy. Gifts of all sizes can help ensure our patients can be well, get well, and stay well – and eat well. Together, we are here for good!