#USA #St. Louis #Meridian Health #St. Louis Area Foodbank #Food On The Move

Meridian Health Plan of Illinois Invests in Foodbank

In an impactful move to combat food insecurity, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, part of Centene Corporation, has announced a generous grant of $1.15 million to support the St. Louis Area Foodbank's ambitious Food On The Move program. This initiative aims to deliver fresh and nutritious food directly to underserved communities and food deserts across the state of Illinois over the next three years.

Background of the Initiative

The Food On The Move program is designed to tackle the urgent food access issues faced by many families, particularly in low-income areas struggling with limited resources. The initiative aligns with Meridian's Eat Well, Be Well philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of nutrition and overall health for vulnerable populations. St. Louis Area Foodbank operates in 12 counties throughout Illinois, focusing on urban and rural communities that need assistance.

Feeding America indicates that over 1.6 million residents in Illinois experience food insecurity, translating to about one in eight individuals. Within St. Clair County, approximately 34,520 persons, or 13.5% of the population, are facing similar struggles. This reality highlights the critical need for programs like Food On The Move.

The Impact of the Funding

Meridian's commitment will facilitate over 300 mobile market distributions across Metro East and Southern Illinois, ensuring that essential food items reach those who need them most. The organization has reported that in 2024, Food On The Move successfully provided support to around 12,000 individuals and approximately 4,300 households. By May 2025, these numbers increased to nearly 18,700 individuals and more than 6,500 households. With recent funding, the program is anticipated to serve about 60,000 members of the community by 2028.

Cristal Gary, President and CEO of Meridian, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re dedicated to enhancing access to healthy food and positively influencing lives. Our collaboration with the St. Louis Area Foodbank for Food On The Move establishes a vital channel to fight food insecurity and promote better health outcomes.”

Real Stories, Real Change

The significance of this program cannot be overstated, with numerous personal testimonials demonstrating its positive impact. One mother shared her experience of struggling to provide for her children during a challenging life transition. Thanks to the program, she can now offer her family nutritious meals. Another caregiver noted that the program facilitated her expanded household's needs as the number of family members grew from eight to thirteen. Such firsthand accounts echo the program's mission to alleviate food shortage issues and strengthen community resilience across Illinois.

Rachel Jones, Director of Partners and Programs at the St. Louis Area Foodbank, stressed the importance of dignity and respect in the program. “This initiative is invaluable because it allows neighbors to maintain dignity while meeting their needs. Every mobile pantry stop can serve up to 100 families, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious options based on their preferences.”

Future Developments

Meridian’s involvement extends beyond food distribution. Starting in 2026, the company plans to collaborate with local healthcare providers to offer health screenings and vaccinations at select Food On The Move events, tackling health issues often linked with food insecurity, such as diabetes and hypertension.

To stay updated on Food On The Move’s schedule and participate in this initiative, you can visit STLfoodbank.org/find-food. To learn more about Meridian's efforts and community impact, please check ILmeridian.com/IL-first.

Conclusion

The partnership between Meridian Health Plan of Illinois and the St. Louis Area Foodbank showcases a compelling approach to tackling an urgent public health issue - food insecurity. With sustained efforts and community collaboration, they are paving the way for healthier futures in Illinois.