#United States #Chicago #food insecurity #Centene Foundation #Meridian Health

Addressing Food Insecurity in Illinois

In a proactive response to a significant public health challenge, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. and the Centene Foundation have announced a generous donation of $300,000 aimed at combating food insecurity throughout the state of Illinois. This initiative is especially crucial as millions of Americans, including 47.4 million nationwide and 13.8 million children, struggle to access nutritious food due to disruptions in critical assistance programs like SNAP and WIC.

Supporting Community Initiatives

The donation serves to bolster food resources for families in need and reflects both organizations' dedication to fostering long-term solutions to hunger. The funds will support numerous food pantries and community organizations across Illinois, including:

• - Beyond Hunger
• - Brave Space Alliance
• - Greater Chicago Food Depository
• - Midwest Food Bank

These partnerships exemplify a commitment to ensuring that struggling families have access to healthy and nutritious meals.

New Initiatives in Health and Nutrition

Meridian is expanding its efforts with new programs designed to address the root causes of food insecurity:

• - Eat Well, Be Well: This program, set for launch in 2025, is focused on empowering members to make healthier food choices through culturally relevant and affordable meal options. It acknowledges the diverse needs of individuals and the impact of cultural backgrounds on food choices.
• - Meridian at the Market: This initiative connects underserved communities with farmers' markets, providing them with vouchers that can be used to purchase fresh produce, thereby encouraging healthy eating habits.
• - Health Happens Here Grants™: Designed to distribute funds to community organizations that support member health, this program emphasizes local solutions to prevalent health challenges including food insecurity.

A Call to Action

Cristal Gary, Plan President and CEO of Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, highlights that food insecurity is a pressing health issue in the state, with about 14.7% of the population needing assistance in August alone. Gary states, _“By collaborating with community partners, we ensure that families have access to healthy meals while also laying down the groundwork for sustainable community well-being.”_

The Centene Foundation has backed this initiative with a broader $1.5 million commitment to organizations nationwide, aiming to fortify food banks and community services as they prepare for winter and anticipate increased demand amid ongoing economic challenges.

The Importance of Access to Nutrition

Alice Chen, MD, Chief Health Officer at Centene, reinforces the critical role of nutritious food in promoting overall health, expressing that investments in such programs are necessary to diminish health disparities and support vulnerable communities. Since 2024, Centene has invested $77.1 million in food security initiatives across various states, integrating access to nutritious foods with health care.

Through diverse community-based partnerships—from Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan to produce vouchers in Illinois—Centene aims to address the underlying social factors that contribute to health outcomes. These efforts demonstrate a sustained commitment to ensuring that access to nutritious food remains a priority for better community health.

In conclusion, the partnership between Meridian Health Plan of Illinois and the Centene Foundation stands as a significant step toward addressing food insecurity in Illinois. By revitalizing community resources and investing in holistic approaches to health, both organizations embody a determined effort to improve the lives of those facing food insecurity.

For more information about Meridian's initiatives or to access healthy meal resources, visit ILmeridian.com/eatwell.