Meridian and Centene Foundation Team Up for Michigan Food Bank with $1 Million Grant

Major Grant to Combat Food Insecurity in Michigan

The Meridian Health Plan of Michigan and the Centene Foundation have announced a significant partnership to tackle food insecurity among Michigan's rural communities. This collaboration has launched a $1 million grant aimed at improving access to nutritious food and promoting better health outcomes through the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM).

The Need for Action

Michigan is currently grappling with an alarming rise in food insecurity, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 1.4 million people in the state face hunger, including more than 378,000 children. Many rural areas lack sufficient grocery stores and public transportation options, making it challenging for residents to obtain fresh produce. This disconnect is correlated with various diet-sensitive illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure, creating a pressing need for intervention.

The Objective of the Grant

The grant from Meridian and Centene aims to foster health equity by addressing the community’s immediate food needs and establishing sustainable access to nutrition. The funds will specifically target Prosperity Region 8, which encompasses Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. By upgrading current food pantries and creating what is termed Nourish MI Pantries, this initiative aims to enhance food distribution and offer holistic health solutions to the underserved.

Phase One Initiatives

The first phase will focus on converting two existing food pantries into the Nourish MI model, which promotes client-choice shopping and availability of fresh and frozen foods. The initiative will also introduce food as medicine programs, targeting patients with chronic illnesses who require dietary management. The selected pantries will receive essential equipment upgrades, such as refrigerators, freezers, and tech support, to ensure effective distribution and operation.

Relevant health organizations will engage with these pantries to assist in the implementation of In Lieu of Services (ILOS), a program designed to offer needed resources to Medicaid members in Michigan. By providing comprehensive health education and access to healthy food, the partnership aims to create a nutritional pathway that embodies the true essence of well-being.

Phase Two Expansion

Set to begin in 2026, Phase Two will extend the model to five additional Nourish MI Pantries and also establish a Fresh Food Pharmacy at Grace Health in Battle Creek. This federally qualified health center will facilitate access to healthy food coupled with health coaching for eligible individuals managing chronic illnesses. The aim is not just to deliver food but also to build a sustainable framework that supports long-term health improvements.

Collaboration for Change

Patty Graham, President and CEO of Meridian, emphasized that the interconnectedness of hunger and health highlights the need for proactive solutions in rural Michigan. "By enhancing food access and addressing root causes of health disparities, we can create a more supportive environment for better health outcomes," she stated.

Dr. Phil Knight, Executive Director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan, echoed this sentiment, noting that this collaborative effort is designed to foster a healthier, more food-secure future not just for today but sustainably for generations to come.

As this partnership continues to grow, Meridian and the Centene Foundation are spearheading a vital campaign towards improving food access and, consequently, health equity throughout Michigan's vulnerable communities. This philanthropic effort is not just about immediate relief; it signifies a transformative step in redefining the relationship between food security and health outcomes.