For some patients, getting healthier doesn't stop when they leave the doctor's office.

A new Food Farmacy at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch is giving patients access to fresh produce, refrigerated foods and pantry staples — along with the tools to make healthier choices at home.

The program is designed to help patients facing food insecurity while also managing chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Unlike a traditional food pantry, the Food Farmacy is incorporated into patient care. Physicians can prescribe access to the program based on a patient's individual health and nutrition needs.

The Food Farmacy is a partnership between RWJBarnabas Health and Fulfill, the regional food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Patients also have access to nutrition education and guidance from a registered dietitian, who can help them learn how to shop for and prepare healthier foods.

Hospital officials say the goal is to treat nutrition as part of a patient's overall health — and help prevent illness before it starts.

The Food Farmacy is available to both hospital patients and outpatients.