The Hospital of Central Connecticut Launches Food4Health Program as Part of Comprehensive Food as Medicine Initiative

Innovative model combines food access, hydroponic farming, and clinical care to improve health outcomes

The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC) will offer a first look at its new Food4Health Program. This innovative food-as-medicine initiative is designed to improve health outcomes by expanding access to healthy food to patients living with chronic disease who also face food and financial insecurity.

HOCC's first hydroponic farm features 12 growing systems, and the new Food4Health Clinic, which will provide patients with access to fresh, nutritious produce, nutrition education, healthcare resources and ongoing support to help improve their overall health and well-being.

The Food4Health Program, hydroponic farm and Food4Health Clinic are expected to officially open in the coming weeks and serve patients in Central Connecticut. The first cohort will include nearly a dozen patients referred through HOCC's Metabolic Health Program. As the program grows, HOCC plans to expand participation to additional patient populations, including OB/GYN patients and others who may benefit from nutrition-focused care.

The Food4Health Program builds on the success of Hartford Hospital's Food4Health initiative, which helps underserved patients access nutritious food, healthcare resources and support services. The prescription-based program serves low-income patients experiencing food insecurity and at risk for diet-related illnesses. Since launching in 2022, Hartford Hospital's Food4Health program has supported more than 10,000 patient visits and distributed more than 3 million pounds of food.

The HOCC Food4Health Program has been in development since September 2025 and represents a significant milestone in the hospital's commitment to addressing social determinants of health and improving access to healthy food throughout the community.