The Butler Health System is hoping a new program at the hospital's old cafeteria will lead to better health for those who are food insecure.

Erin Stewart, a lifestyle coach and registered nurse at BHS, and Dr. Kathy Selvaggi, BHS's chief community health officer, discussed the new program Wednesday.

Not to be confused with a food pantry, the new Butler Health System Food Institute will give eligible clients the ingredients to make 10 healthy meals per month.

Not only will the clients receive the monthly food for the recipes, Stewart said they will learn how to prepare the meals from a professional chef at the Institute, which will be housed in the former cafeteria in Butler Memorial Hospital's Brady Street entrance lobby.

The clients can receive the distribution and lessons once per month for up to six months, she said.

The clients who participate in the Food Institute will be gleaned from BHS physician's offices, Selvaggi said.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appears in Thursday's Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.