May 18, 2026
Pictured Above: William A. Petit, Jr., MD, President of the Petit Family Foundation (center), presents a $10,000 grant award to Debbie Bender, Director of Philanthropy (left), and Jessica Joyce, Associate Director of Institutional Giving (right).
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is grateful to the Petit Family Foundation for awarding a $10,000 grant to support the purchase of nutritious foods for the hospital’s Food4Health Clinic.
Launched to address food insecurity and diet-related illnesses in northwest Connecticut, Food4Health provides local, underserved households with equitable access to healthy foods and professional guidance on meal preparation, nutrition, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
The hospital’s Food4Health Clinic exclusively stocks fresh produce, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy pantry staples that are free for patients enrolled in the program. An on-site nutritionist helps patients tailor food selections to their health needs, while a part-time community outreach specialist connects participants to needed resources, such as housing assistance and crisis support. The Clinic has served over 2,300 patient visits since opening in December 2023.
Patients enrolled in Food4Health have reported significant weight loss, reductions in A1c and blood pressure; increases in mobility and food security; and reductions in stress levels.
“We are very grateful to the Petit Family Foundation for generously investing in Food4Health and for helping us to improve access and health equity throughout the region,” said Debbie Bender, Director of Philanthropy, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. “Food4Health is enabling northwest Connecticut households to make positive and lasting lifestyle changes that will benefit their families’ health and well-being.”