Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Integrates SNAP/EBT into In-Hospital Pantry

Event summary

  • Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) opened an in-hospital Family Pantry accepting SNAP/EBT benefits, the first pediatric medical institution in California to do so.
  • The pantry offers fresh produce and healthy food options, sourced from community partners like Rick’s Produce Market.
  • The initiative was expanded from a COVID-19 pandemic response program addressing food insecurity among team members and patient families.
  • CHLA collaborated with the USDA and Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services to gain approval for SNAP/EBT integration.

The big picture

CHLA’s move to integrate SNAP/EBT into its in-hospital pantry addresses a critical gap in food security for low-income families and hospital staff. This initiative reflects a broader trend in healthcare institutions taking on social determinants of health, particularly in underserved communities. The collaboration with local and federal agencies underscores the growing recognition of hospitals as hubs for community health interventions.

What we're watching

Program Expansion
Whether CHLA can sustain and expand the Family Pantry model to other locations or hospitals.
Community Impact
The pace at which similar initiatives are adopted by other pediatric institutions to address food insecurity.
Regulatory Support
How regulatory bodies like the USDA and local departments continue to support such integrations.