Fidelis Care Allocates $130,000 to Enhance Food Security Programs Across New York

Fidelis Care Enhances Food Security with $130,000 in Grants

In a significant move to tackle food insecurity, Fidelis Care, a leading health plan in New York, has awarded $130,000 in grants to 10 organizations focusing on innovative food security programs. This initiative, termed the Here for Your Health program, aims to integrate nutritious food access into healthcare services, effectively promoting health equity and addressing nutritional disparities.

Supporting Innovative Programs

The awarded funds will support various organizations throughout New York State. Recipients include notable entities such as Eagle Star Housing in Genesee County, FeedMore WNY in Buffalo, and Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, among others. These organizations are committed to advancing Food Is Medicine (FIM) practices, a model recognized by healthcare professionals as vital in preventing and managing dietary-related diseases.

Dr. Vincent Marchello, Chief Medical Officer of Fidelis Care, highlighted the importance of these initiatives. He stated, "The challenges we see in food access and the growing need for nutrition-based support reinforce why health equity programs matter. This funding aids organizations that are critical in expanding access to healthy food and aligns with our mission to promote health in underserved communities."

Focus on Health and Nutrition

The Food Is Medicine model aims to incorporate nutritious food into medical care as a preventive measure against diseases like diabetes and heart issues. By addressing nutritional challenges directly within healthcare settings, these programs are designed to improve health outcomes while also lowering associated healthcare costs.

One significant recipient, the Schoharie County Council of Senior Citizens, operates The Gathering Place 50 Plus Community Centers, serving over 3,000 older adults across rural areas. Through the funding, they will implement the Café for a Cause Healthy Lunch & Learn Program, which combines weekly nutritious meals with health education to combat chronic disease and foster social connections among older adults.

Executive Director Kimberly Witkowski expressed gratitude for this support, emphasizing the dual need for physical nourishment and mental well-being for aging adults in rural settings.

Broader Impact and Community Outreach

Another grant recipient, the Nassau County Department of Health, intends to use the funds to shift its approach from emergency food assistance to a comprehensive public health strategy that addresses chronic disease prevention. Their Power to Prevent program will educate the public about the impact of nutrition on overall health. Public Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman emphasized, "This grant acknowledges a pertinent health issue and propels our ongoing efforts to build a healthier community through improved nutrition."

The USDA indicates that over 47 million Americans face challenges in accessing sufficient nutritious food, with more than 2.2 million residents affected in New York State alone. This includes alarming statistics about child hunger, with over 14 percent of children in the state grappling with food insecurity.

In response to these pressing needs, Fidelis Care is stepping up its commitment to enhance food availability and nutritional support, particularly in areas that often fall under the radar in hunger data.

By fostering partnerships with local organizations and leveraging community resources, Fidelis Care is setting a precedent for health plans to embrace the critical role of nutrition in healthcare.

Conclusion

Fidelis Care's initiative demonstrates a proactive approach in addressing food insecurity while promoting health equity. As the awarded organizations implement their programs, they stand to make a profound difference in the lives of many New Yorkers, showcasing the essential intersection of food access and health management.

Fidelis Care continues to lead by example, advocating for innovative solutions that prioritize the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, regardless of their circumstances. For more information about Fidelis Care and its programs, visit fideliscare.org.