Battling cancer is tough. Battling cancer without enough food in the house is even tougher.

Good nutrition is essential for anyone with cancer, but some patients in our community lack the resources to buy the food they need to stay strong. In fact, more than 60% of cancer patients that participate in programs sponsored by MSK's Immigrant Health & Cancer Disparities service (IHCD) are food insecure. Food insecure patients are often worried about where their next meal is coming from and it can hinder the successful completion of their cancer treatment, reduce their quality of life, and increase stress and anxiety.

Since 2011, the Food to Overcome Outcome Disparities (FOOD) program at MSK has been providing nourishing food for cancer patients who need a helping hand. One week of groceries provided by the FOOD program costs about $40.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the FOOD Program has seen a tremendous increase in the need for food resources across the institution. In 2020 we provided more than 5,000 bags of food to low-income, food insecure patients. In 2021, we provided more than 9,600 bags of groceries, a more than 90% increase from the previous year.

In addition to food distribution, the FOOD Program also provides comprehensive case management to enrolled patients. Patients are connected with resources and services around transportation, financial assistance, legal aid, housing, public benefits, and psychosocial support. FOOD taps into a broad range of resources available at MSK as well as out in the community. This aspect of FOOD has never been so vital. As patients and their households continue to experience pandemic-related income loss, housing instability, anxiety, and isolation, FOOD continues to connect patients and their loved ones with much needed help.   

Thank you for your support. Together, let’s change what it means to be diagnosed with cancer.

If you would like to donate, please use the button above. Thanks!

For more information about FOOD Program activities, please contact Maria Cuello at 646-888-8030 or via email at cuellom@mskcc.org.