ROCK SPRINGS — Proper nutrition is at the forefront of an American Cancer Society (ACS) grant secured by the Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County’s Sweetwater Regional Cancer Center will use the $4,000 grant from Sept. 1, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027, with a focus on nutrition, according to a Sept. 23 press release from hospital.
Most of this grant money will be used to give food vouchers to cancer patients who are assessed as having food insecurity, said Tasha Harris, dosimetrist and Director of the Radiation Oncology Department.
“At a time when many cancer patients are facing both medical and financial challenges, access to nutritious food can make a tremendous difference,” Harris said. “We are incredibly grateful to the American Cancer Society for this generous grant. Food insecurity is a challenge that many of our patients face while undergoing treatment, and this funding will allow us to provide food vouchers and healthy nutrition support to those who need it most.”
Harris added that by helping patients access nutritious food, ACS is making “a meaningful difference in their health, well-being, and ability to focus on their cancer care.”
Money also will be used for part of the Thrive Well Nutrition Class, Harris said. The class is led by an MHSC Registered Dietitian. Activities will include nutrition education sessions, hands-on cooking classes, and the distribution of healthy grocery bags to participants to reinforce healthy eating practices and support cancer survivorship.
“We are grateful to the American Cancer Society for investing in the health and well-being of cancer survivors in our community,” said Kayla Mannikko, Foundation Director. “This grant allows us to provide meaningful nutrition education and hands-on resources that help participants build healthy habits and improve their quality of life throughout their survivorship journey.”
Dining and Cooking