No Families Goes Hungry Awaiting Care at this Pediatric Practice

Exceptional integrative care with pediatric generalists and specialists on site is just one of many ways Wayne Pediatrics sets itself apart from other Metropolitan Detroit practices. Another is an unwavering commitment to addressing social determinants of health. Food insecurity and inaccessibility of nutritious food choices is among the issues this Midtown practice confronts on a near daily basis.

Shortly after opening its doors in the fall of 2020, challenges around access to food were brought to medical staff’s attention by some of the families themselves. A small group was formed and they quickly went into action to address this concern head-on and Wayne Pediatrics’ free in-house snack food program was born.

“When families come to us for serious or even routine care for their children, understandably it can often be a stressful time,” says Dr. Christopher Youngman, chief medical officer, Wayne Pediatrics. “It is our hope that our free snack program provides one less worry for families in knowing this program is available to them whenever they are in our office.”

Funded voluntarily entirely by staff, upwards of $200 is collected monthly. The funds are used solely to purchase and restock the in-house pantry with a variety of food items. Fresh fruit, granola, juice boxes and cereals are just some of the choices available to families free of charge. To lessen the possibility of any stigma families may feel accepting the free food items, staff pre-packages snack bags and offers them to all of its patients and their family members, with a smile.

In addition to Wayne Pediatrics’ free snack program, the practice also has a vegetable garden in its courtyard that provides fresh produce including cucumbers, tomatoes, and zucchini to families, also free of charge.

To learn more about Wayne Pediatrics or schedule an appointment, visit www.waynepediatrics.org or call (313) 448-9600.