Carolina Complete Health and Centene Foundation Invests $200,000 to Combat Food Insecurity in NC

Addressing Food Insecurity in North Carolina

In a significant move to combat food insecurity, Carolina Complete Health, in collaboration with the Centene Foundation, has announced a strategic investment of $200,000 aimed at strengthening food resources for families in North Carolina. This initiative comes at a time when millions across the United States are encountering difficulties in accessing nutritious meals, primarily due to disruptions in essential federally funded programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

According to current statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity is impacting approximately 47.4 million individuals nationwide, with 13.8 million of them being children. The situation underscores the urgency of this investment, as Carolina Complete Health, which serves over 275,000 members in North Carolina through its Medicaid plan, seeks to bolster food banks and community organizations dedicated to fighting hunger.

The funding from Carolina Complete Health will benefit a number of organizations, including:

- Common Heart
- Crisis Control Ministries
- Food Bank of the Albemarle
- Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
- Harnett Food Pantry
- Manna Food Bank
- Nourish Up
- Salvation Army
- The Poe Center for Education Health
- Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry
- We Care Food Pantry.

Moreover, ten Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) will also receive support, empowering them to distribute food directly to needy patients. This initiative aligns with Carolina Complete Health's dedication to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities while promoting sustainable solutions to hunger and nutritional deficiencies.

Chris Paterson, CEO of Carolina Complete Health, emphasized the organization's commitment to tackling food insecurity, stating, "As a local Medicaid health plan, Carolina Complete Health is deeply committed to helping address the issue of food insecurity in North Carolina. Our members are among the most vulnerable, and we see firsthand how lack of access to nutritious food affects their health and well-being. Supporting solutions that bring nourishment and dignity to our communities is not just part of our mission — it's part of who we are."

In recent months, Carolina Complete Health has made substantial contributions to combat food scarcity, totaling over $3 million, accompanied by hundreds of volunteer hours. Noteworthy projects include a $600,000 investment to revitalize a food pantry run by A Lot of Direction Love and Affection (ADLA) as well as a $250,000 investment aimed at launching a prescription produce program for the Green Rural Redevelopment Organization (GRRO). Financial backing has also been extended to Food Connection, Second Harvest Food Bank, and several other organizations committed to this cause.

This latest funding initiative is part of a broader $1.5 million commitment from the Centene Foundation to various organizations across the country, particularly food banks and local community groups facing winter supply shortages. "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," stated Alice Chen, Chief Health Officer of Centene.

The foundational element of health ties directly to access to nutritious food, and sustained investments in these programs are crucial in reducing disparities in health outcomes. Over the past year, Centene has invested approximately $77.1 million into food security initiatives, spanning multiple states and introducing innovative, community-based solutions aimed at addressing food scarcity and chronic illnesses.

As Centene continues to champion the fight against food insecurity, its Medicaid plans are increasingly integrating food access with healthcare services, reinforcing the essential role of nutrition in health. From Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan to farmers market produce vouchers in Illinois and maternal care food programs in Arkansas, Centene is committed to community health transformation through locally driven solutions, aligning with its mission to eliminate barriers to wellness for underserved and low-income populations.

In conclusion, Carolina Complete Health and the Centene Foundation's investment arrives at a pivotal moment, providing necessary support to combat food insecurity while fostering collaboration among local organizations to address the intertwined issues of health and nutrition in North Carolina.