WellCare of Kentucky and Centene Foundation Donate $145,000 to Combat Food Insecurity
In a significant move to combat food insecurity, WellCare of Kentucky, in collaboration with the Centene Foundation, has announced a donation of $145,000 aimed at supporting food pantries across the state of Kentucky. This initiative underscores the urgent need to address hunger, as recent reports indicate that food insecurity has reached unprecedented levels in the region, impacting nearly 280,000 Kentuckians, which constitutes about 18.2% of the population. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing challenges faced by many families in accessing nutritious food resources.
This donation is a continuation of WellCare's commitment to fostering healthier communities by providing essential support to families grappling with food access challenges. Through this funding, key organizations will be empowered to bolster their food distribution efforts, including but not limited to: the Help Office of Owensboro, Family Service Society of Paducah, Farm to Healthcare Co, HOTEL INC, and the Kentucky River District Health Department. Additionally, the donation will also assist Roscoe's Daughter—an Eastern Kentucky based non-profit—and Paducah Cooperative Ministry in their food relief operations.
WellCare has established a long-standing dedication to food security in Kentucky, previously launching several programs targeted at improving access to healthy meals. Notable initiatives include a Food is Medicine program in Letcher and Bell Counties aimed specifically at supporting diabetic individuals facing food insecurity. The program provides essential resources, including fresh food delivery to participants enrolled in diabetes and high blood pressure management programs in Allen County.
Efforts extend further with Helping Hands of Hope in Hardin County, which focuses on providing food assistance and housing recovery for those affected by recent natural disasters. Moreover, the company has collaborated with the Barren River District Health Department in Simpson County to supply fresh, local food boxes to needy families. Their initiatives also include outreach activities to the Latinx population in Boone County, aimed at enhancing health outcomes by facilitating access to healthy foods and educational resources.
'Food security stands as one of the most pressing health challenges in our state,' commented Corey Ewing, Plan President and CEO of WellCare of Kentucky. 'Every day, we witness the profound impact hunger has on individuals’ health and dignity. This investment, coupled with our partnerships in the community, ensures that families can access healthy meals while also paving the way for long-term solutions that enhance overall community well-being.'
This support forms part of a broader $1.5 million commitment from the Centene Foundation, targeting food banks and community organizations across the nation that typically experience a surge in demand during winter months. Centene has actively participated in the fight against food insecurity, with a notable investment of $77.1 million in 2024 alone. By developing innovative partnerships focused on food security and chronic disease management, the foundation continues to reinforce its dedication to addressing social determinants of health, which account for a significant portion of health outcomes.
Among the cornerstone initiatives, Centene offers food or nutrition intervention programs through more than 95% of its Medicaid plans, establishing nutritious food access as a focal point of its health strategy. This comprehensive approach has led to the establishment of Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan and other targeted programs across multiple states, illustrating Centene’s commitment to integrating food security with healthcare services.
In conclusion, WellCare of Kentucky's recent contributions, alongside the Centene Foundation’s sustained efforts, mark a pivotal step in forging a collaborative approach to tackling food insecurity in Kentucky. By ensuring that community members have access to healthy food, these organizations are not just providing immediate relief but also fostering pathways towards long-lasting health improvements for vulnerable populations throughout the state.
This donation is a continuation of WellCare's commitment to fostering healthier communities by providing essential support to families grappling with food access challenges. Through this funding, key organizations will be empowered to bolster their food distribution efforts, including but not limited to: the Help Office of Owensboro, Family Service Society of Paducah, Farm to Healthcare Co, HOTEL INC, and the Kentucky River District Health Department. Additionally, the donation will also assist Roscoe's Daughter—an Eastern Kentucky based non-profit—and Paducah Cooperative Ministry in their food relief operations.
WellCare has established a long-standing dedication to food security in Kentucky, previously launching several programs targeted at improving access to healthy meals. Notable initiatives include a Food is Medicine program in Letcher and Bell Counties aimed specifically at supporting diabetic individuals facing food insecurity. The program provides essential resources, including fresh food delivery to participants enrolled in diabetes and high blood pressure management programs in Allen County.
Efforts extend further with Helping Hands of Hope in Hardin County, which focuses on providing food assistance and housing recovery for those affected by recent natural disasters. Moreover, the company has collaborated with the Barren River District Health Department in Simpson County to supply fresh, local food boxes to needy families. Their initiatives also include outreach activities to the Latinx population in Boone County, aimed at enhancing health outcomes by facilitating access to healthy foods and educational resources.
'Food security stands as one of the most pressing health challenges in our state,' commented Corey Ewing, Plan President and CEO of WellCare of Kentucky. 'Every day, we witness the profound impact hunger has on individuals’ health and dignity. This investment, coupled with our partnerships in the community, ensures that families can access healthy meals while also paving the way for long-term solutions that enhance overall community well-being.'
This support forms part of a broader $1.5 million commitment from the Centene Foundation, targeting food banks and community organizations across the nation that typically experience a surge in demand during winter months. Centene has actively participated in the fight against food insecurity, with a notable investment of $77.1 million in 2024 alone. By developing innovative partnerships focused on food security and chronic disease management, the foundation continues to reinforce its dedication to addressing social determinants of health, which account for a significant portion of health outcomes.
Among the cornerstone initiatives, Centene offers food or nutrition intervention programs through more than 95% of its Medicaid plans, establishing nutritious food access as a focal point of its health strategy. This comprehensive approach has led to the establishment of Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan and other targeted programs across multiple states, illustrating Centene’s commitment to integrating food security with healthcare services.
In conclusion, WellCare of Kentucky's recent contributions, alongside the Centene Foundation’s sustained efforts, mark a pivotal step in forging a collaborative approach to tackling food insecurity in Kentucky. By ensuring that community members have access to healthy food, these organizations are not just providing immediate relief but also fostering pathways towards long-lasting health improvements for vulnerable populations throughout the state.
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