The University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center has received a $60,000 grant from the Wills Group to continue its Food Is Medicine Program, which provides medically tailored meals to patients managing chronic health conditions. The one-time award will support operations through 2026 and reflects growing recognition that nutrition plays a central role in health outcomes.
Albert Zanger, chief administrative officer at UM Charles Regional, said the funding addresses a key factor in patient well-being. The program targets individuals whose conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, can improve with consistent access to appropriate foods. Participants receive meals aligned with their medical care plans, with the goal of reducing hospital readmissions and supporting recovery at home.
Food access remains a challenge for many families in Charles County and across Southern Maryland. When patients leave the hospital or clinic without reliable nutrition, progress on managing chronic illness can stall. The Food Is Medicine approach connects clinical care with practical support by delivering meals designed by nutrition professionals to meet specific dietary needs.
The Wills Group, a Southern Maryland-based company with operations in fuel distribution and convenience retail, made the grant through its Nourishing Children & Families community engagement efforts. Julian Wills, the company’s president, CEO and chairman, said the investment aligns with the organization’s focus on helping families thrive. He noted that access to nutritious food directly influences overall health and well-being in the communities the company serves.
UM Charles Regional, part of the University of Maryland Medical System, serves residents of Charles County and surrounding areas. The medical center has expanded efforts to address social factors that affect health, such as food security, transportation and housing. The Food Is Medicine Program fits within that broader strategy by extending support beyond traditional medical treatment.
Medically tailored meal programs have gained attention nationally as evidence shows they can lower healthcare costs and improve quality of life for people with chronic diseases. By providing ready-to-eat meals that match clinical recommendations, these initiatives reduce the burden on patients who might otherwise struggle to prepare appropriate foods while dealing with illness or limited resources.
The grant will allow the program to continue serving eligible patients referred through the medical center’s care teams. Outcomes will be tracked through impact reporting, which could help determine whether the model can be sustained or expanded in future years. Officials said the effort builds on existing partnerships and community resources already in place in Charles County.
Zanger emphasized that the support comes at a time when many families face competing demands on household budgets. Reliable access to nutritious meals can make a measurable difference in how well patients follow treatment plans and maintain stability after a health event.
The Wills Group’s contribution adds to other local investments aimed at strengthening community health. By focusing on the intersection of food and medicine, the partnership highlights how businesses and healthcare providers can work together to address practical barriers that affect daily life for residents in Southern Maryland.
UM Charles Regional continues to develop initiatives that connect patients with resources beyond the hospital walls. The Food Is Medicine Program represents one part of that ongoing work, using targeted nutrition support to help people manage long-term conditions more effectively at home.
