Good things come in threes! UT Physicians is the proud recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award (silver level) from the Houston Food Bank for the third year in a row.
The award comes after 70 employees gave a collective 315 volunteer hours during a day of service ahead of the 2024 Thanksgiving season. Employees from several departments sorted through donated pantry items and bagged fresh fruit. The cumulative effort contributed to more than 8,000 meals benefiting families across Greater Houston.
“At UT Physicians, we believe our responsibility to the community extends beyond clinical care. Volunteering with the Houston Food Bank reflects our deep commitment to whole patient care — recognizing that food insecurity is one of the greatest barriers to health and well-being,” said Melissa McDonald, executive director of marketing and communications at UT Physicians. “Our department is proud to coordinate this annual opportunity, bringing together employees from across the organization to serve side by side. Being recognized with the President’s Volunteer Service Award for a third consecutive year is an honor and a reflection of our colleagues’ compassion, teamwork, and dedication. Together, we’re making a tangible impact in the communities we serve.”
The recognition includes a certificate and a pin from the White House recognizing the importance of volunteering in the community.
Collaborative effort
The volunteer effort was rooted in cross-department teamwork.
“There’s a real sense of pride here knowing that everyone has come out to give back to the community, especially to help reduce food insecurity,” said Jason L. Chavers, MBA, assistant vice president of community-based clinics with UT Physicians.
Along with UT Physicians being honored, the UTHealth Houston Finance and Business Services team was present to accept an award for their volunteer hours toward the Houston Food Bank’s mission.
Community partnership
Volunteer hours at the Houston Food Bank may directly benefit patients in our care.
Through patient screening in 2024, UT Physicians estimates that 9% of patients who completed the screening experienced food insecurity.
“When patients report food insecurity to their providers or care team, the provider connects them to a community health worker who can directly connect patients with programs that provide fresh produce and vegetables, gift cards for grocery stores, and cooking demonstrations and recipes. UT Physicians has a strong partnership with Brighter Bites, the Houston Food Bank, and the Cigna Foundation to increase access to healthy foods for our patients and their families,” said Yen-Chi Le, PhD, executive director of innovation and quality at UT Physicians.
Fighting food insecurity across Houston is part of how UT Physicians is committed to caring for the whole patient.
