Superior HealthPlan and Centene Foundation Invest $400,000 to Combat Food Insecurity in Texas

Addressing Food Insecurity in Texas

In an effort to tackle the pressing issue of food insecurity across Texas, Superior HealthPlan and the Centene Foundation have recently unveiled a significant investment of $400,000. This funding is aimed at enhancing food access for families who often struggle to obtain nutritious meals. Recent disruptions to essential nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) have exacerbated food access challenges, affecting millions. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), an astonishing 47.4 million people, including 13.8 million children, are currently grappling with food insecurity nationwide.

The $400,000 investment will be directed to nine food banks located across Texas, enhancing their capacity to provide healthy, nutritious food to families in need. This initiative reflects Superior HealthPlan's longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and provides a timely solution to the growing hunger and nutrition issues in the state.

Mitch Wasden, President and CEO of Superior HealthPlan, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, "For more than 25 years, Superior HealthPlan has been committed to serving families in Texas, particularly in times of need. Local food banks in communities across the state are doing great work every day. At the same time, we know they may be facing increased demand, so supporting them now is one of the most meaningful ways we can make a difference."

The nine food banks benefiting from this funding include:

- Central Texas Food Bank, Austin
- Coastal Bend Food Bank, Corpus Christi
- East Texas Food Bank, Tyler
- El Pasoans Fighting Hunger, El Paso
- Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Pharr
- Houston Food Bank, Houston
- San Antonio Food Bank, San Antonio
- South Plains Food Bank, Lubbock
- South Texas Food Bank, Laredo

This investment is part of a broader goal set by the Centene Foundation, which has committed a total of $1.5 million to various organizations nationwide. These funds are particularly crucial as many local organizations find themselves facing unprecedented challenges in meeting the increasing demands for food assistance, especially as they gear up for the winter months ahead.

Alice Chen, Chief Health Officer at Centene, noted, "Families across the country are facing unprecedented challenges as essential nutrition programs experience strain and demand for food assistance continues to rise. Local organizations have been working tirelessly to meet these needs, and this emergency funding will strengthen their efforts — helping ensure that children and families most at risk have access to healthy meals during this critical time."

Access to healthy food is foundational to maintaining good health. Centene understands and prioritizes addressing the social factors influencing health outcomes, which is evident in their consistent investment in food security initiatives. In 2024 alone, Centene allocated $77.1 million towards combating food insecurity through various innovative, community-based partnerships. These range from establishing Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan to providing farmers market produce vouchers in Illinois and implementing grocery support initiatives in Nebraska for diabetic members.

Their commitment emphasizes the importance of integrating food access with healthcare services to combat chronic diseases and improve overall community health. By focusing on key areas such as healthcare, social services, and education, the Centene Foundation aims to enhance health equity and remove barriers preventing low-income populations from accessing well-being resources.

With more than 2 million people served, Superior HealthPlan continues to be a leader in managed care in Texas, dedicating over $11.9 million since 2020 to support low-income communities through various initiatives, including grants and sponsorships. Their multifaceted approach aims not only to provide healthcare but also to transform the health landscape of the communities they serve, ensuring families have access to essential resources.

For more information about Superior HealthPlan and Centene Foundation's initiatives, visit www.SuperiorHealthPlan.com and learn how organizations are working together to address food insecurity in Texas and beyond.