Sylvester Tackles Food Insecurity with New Food Pharmacy
The new initiative helps eliminate obstacles to accessing nutritional resources that can greatly affect treatment success for cancer patients.

A cancer diagnosis is challenging enough, but for many, the added burden of food insecurity makes recovery even more difficult. Recognizing this critical issue, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, has introduced a groundbreaking, in-house food pharmacy.
“We know that cancer survivors from underresourced households are at an increased risk for food insecurity. In fact, more than 50% of these survivors report food insecurity,” said Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN, director of lifestyle medicine, prevention and digital health and co-lead of the Cancer Control Program at Sylvester. “Food is medicine, and maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for the healing process. By addressing food insecurity head-on, we are empowering our patients with the nutritional resources they need to enhance their recovery and improve treatment outcomes.”
The food pharmacy directly addresses the challenges of running out of groceries, anxiety over meal costs and limited access to healthy options, barriers that can severely impact treatment success. By integrating this service into patient care, Sylvester is transforming lives and demonstrating the power of holistic support in the journey against cancer.
Healthy Diet Can Reduce Cancer Risks
Dr. Crane leads Sylvester’s innovative lifestyle medicine program, which leverages evidence-based interventions, including a healthy diet, to empower high-risk individuals to reduce their cancer risk and enhance overall health by addressing lifestyle factors within their control.

This multidisciplinary program unites clinicians and scientists to deliver personalized cancer survivorship care, creating tailored intervention plans unique to each patient. The program already provides patients with access to registered dietitians, so the new food pharmacy is an added layer of support that strengthens the program’s ability to meet patients’ nutritional needs.
“Addressing food insecurity also improves adherence to treatment, as patients are no longer forced to choose between the cost of food and their medical care. We are excited to incorporate this initiative as part of our cancer survivorship and supportive care program,” said Jessica MacIntyre, D.N.P., APRN, assistant vice president of Sylvester’s Oncology Service Line.
“Evidence suggests that modifiable behaviors, like following a healthy diet pattern, can attenuate overall cancer risk, even for individuals with genetic predispositions,” explained Dr. Crane. “While a healthy diet benefits everyone, it is especially vital for cancer patients and survivors, who face an increased risk of developing a second cancer.”
Breaking Barriers to Healthy Eating
Paola Rossi, M.D., clinical program director for lifestyle medicine at Sylvester, said that patients and their families often ask for guidance on what to eat during and after treatment.
“At Sylvester, we’re not just recommending foods we believe are essential. We’re making them easily accessible,” said Dr. Rossi. “By providing a convenient source of nutritious, ‘cancer-fighting’ foods, we’re eliminating obstacles like transportation and time constraints.”

Conveniently located on the first floor of Sylvester’s main building near the Comprehensive Treatment Unit, the food pharmacy offers patients access to wholesome, shelf-stable ingredients Monday through Friday. Patients can visit weekly to obtain selected items that are both nutritious and cost-effective, including:
• Dry whole grains like rice, oats and quinoa
• Canned vegetables, fruits and fish
• Dry goods like beans, lentils and dried fruits
• Nut butters and olive oil
• Spices
Trained medical and graduate students, along with other volunteers, guide patients in creating food baskets that support 10 healthy meals, complete with recipes. This hands-on support not only enhances nutritional understanding but also empowers patients to sustain a healthy diet beyond their treatment.
“We’re breaking down barriers to good nutrition and giving patients the tools to make lasting dietary changes,” said Dr. Rossi.
The food pharmacy is thriving thanks to the unwavering support of community partners, including individuals and local organizations.
Long-Term Vision
The food pharmacy on Sylvester’s main campus is just the beginning of a larger, long-term initiative. Dr. Crane envisions expanding the program to Sylvester’s satellite sites, adding refrigerated items and even establishing a patient-supported garden to further enhance access to fresh, nutrient-rich foods.
“Our goal is to broaden our impact across all Sylvester campuses,” said Dr. Crane. “While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, making healthy food choices can significantly reduce risk and improve outcomes.”
Tags: cancer research, Dr. Tracy Crane, food as medicine, lifestyle medicine, nutrition, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center