The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB) is a one-stop clinic and research hub where experts from across the University of Minnesota and M Health Fairview come together to foster healthy brain function for children across the lifespan.

This comprehensive care under one roof means that visits to the MIDB can be day-long affairs for children and their families. And while this streamlined approach is convenient, it can also be taxing—especially on an empty stomach.

“It’s difficult to concentrate when you’re hungry,” says Cala Hefferan, a certified child life specialist at the MIDB.

Hefferan has seen firsthand the stress experienced by families when they are hungry during appointments. But oftentimes, when she directed them to the MIDB’s on-site food market, they opted out. The food was too expensive, they told her.

That’s what gave her the idea for the Market Voucher Program (MVP). Through the U of M pilot program, launched in September 2024, families can request a $15 voucher via a QR code or by speaking with a staff member when they’re at the MIDB. The families can then visit the market for sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and more. Hefferan estimates that about 60 to 70 people benefit from the program every month.

MVP was made possible with a $15,000 grant from Birdies4Brains, a nonprofit that raises funds to help brain injury survivors. In its first few months, Hefferan says, the program has made a noticeable impact.

“One family was visibly stressed and on edge upon arrival. Their provider assessed that hunger was a current unmet need and used MVP vouchers to get them set up with breakfast,” Hefferan says. “The patient went on to actively participate in her evaluation. Some nourishment made all the difference.”