Hunterdon Health, Flemington Food Pantry partner to deliver groceries to homebound patients
HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — A partnership between Hunterdon Health Home Health and the Flemington Area Food Pantry is helping homebound patients access medically appropriate food through a program designed to support recovery after hospital stays.
The Food2You program provides home delivery of groceries tailored to patients’ specific dietary needs, particularly those recovering from illness and unable to shop for themselves.
The impact of the program is reflected in the experience of Mary Lomerson, a 69-year-old Clinton Township resident who required support after three hospital stays in 2026. A social worker with Hunterdon Health connected her to the program following her discharge.
Lomerson, who is unable to leave her home unassisted, was paired with a volunteer from the Flemington Food Pantry who helps select and deliver groceries that meet her diabetic and cardiac dietary requirements.
“Ellen is a delight! She is very good at selecting items and often brings me new items to try. If something isn’t available, she goes out of her way to find me a good alternative,” Lomerson said.
She said the service has also helped address challenges she faced with commercial delivery services, which she described as costly and unreliable.
“Living alone can be isolating, especially when you’re not feeling well. Ellen and this program have really been a blessing,” she said.
The Food2You program was created in 2019 after Hunterdon Health social workers identified that many patients recovering at home lacked access to food that met their medical needs. In response, the Flemington Food Pantry developed a delivery service staffed by volunteers who work directly with clients.
According to Karla Gambrill, director of Home Health Services, the program plays a key role in patient care beyond medical treatment.
“When Home Health clinicians care for patients at home, we focus not only on medications and treatments but also on the factors that support recovery day to day. Access to healthy food that meets a patient’s medical needs can make a real difference in rebuilding strength and managing chronic conditions,” Gambrill said. “The Food2You program works closely with our clinical team to ensure patients receive the nourishment they need to support their care plans. At the same time, the regular visits from volunteers provide a meaningful social connection. For many patients who live alone, that interaction can powerfully impact emotional well-being and help them feel supported by their community during recovery.”
Program demand increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, rising by 300% in 2020. While participation has since stabilized, organizers say the program continues to serve homebound residents, older adults and individuals without reliable transportation across Hunterdon County.
In addition to individual deliveries, the program also serves residents in low-income senior housing communities as part of its ongoing outreach.
