Buckeye Health Plan and Centene Foundation Invest in Food Security Initiatives in Ohio

Tackling Food Insecurity: A $200,000 Initiative in Ohio

Food insecurity has become a pressing issue across the United States, affecting millions of families who struggle to access nutritious meals. In Ohio, this challenge is being addressed head-on through a significant initiative led by the Buckeye Health Plan in collaboration with the Centene Foundation. On November 18, 2025, these organizations announced a strategic investment of $200,000 aimed at bolstering food access and resources within individual communities.

The Current Food Security Landscape

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 47.4 million Americans experience food insecurity, including 13.8 million children. In Ohio alone, around 1.4 million residents benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), equating to about 12% of the state's population. Unfortunately, recent challenges, particularly with nutrition programs like SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), have created barriers to essential food access, leaving many families in precarious situations.

The recent funding aims to support the Ohio Association of Food Banks, helping ensure that vulnerable populations can access healthy meals. This initiative reflects a continued commitment from Buckeye Health Plan to assist those in need and advance sustainable solutions to address hunger and nutrition challenges.

Supporting Local Organizations

Alice Chen, Chief Health Officer at Centene, emphasized the urgency of the situation. "Families across the country are facing unprecedented challenges, and local organizations are working tirelessly to meet these needs. This emergency funding is crucial in ensuring that the most at-risk children and families have access to healthy meals during this critical time."

The $200,000 investment is part of a broader commitment of $1.5 million from the Centene Foundation, directed toward organizations across the country, particularly food banks that are preparing for winter and facing shortages due to rising demands.

Centene's Ongoing Commitment to Food Security

Centene has established itself as a leader in the fight against food insecurity. With more than 95% of its Medicaid plans providing food and nutrition-related intervention programs, they tackle the social determinants that drive approximately 80% of health outcomes. In the previous year alone, Centene invested an impressive $77.1 million to support food security initiatives across various states.

Their diverse approach includes a range of innovative community-based partnerships, such as Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan, farmers market produce vouchers in Illinois, and targeted grocery support for diabetic patients in Nebraska. These programs underscore Centene’s understanding of food's critical role in health outcomes—particularly for communities that are underserved.

The Road Ahead

The focus lies not just on immediate relief but also on sustainable community health transformation. By integrating food access initiatives with healthcare services, Centene aims to address the foundational needs of its communities, thus fostering long-term health equity.

Buckeye Health Plan, operational since 2004, offers managed healthcare services to Ohio residents across various programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and integrated Medicaid-Medicare options. Their ongoing dedication to providing essential support showcases their commitment to improving health outcomes for low-income Ohioans.

For more information about Buckeye Health Plan and its initiatives, visit Buckeye Health Plan. Additionally, learn about Centene Foundation’s mission to enhance health equity and its strategic projects by exploring their official website.