#USA #Fort Lauderdale #food insecurity #Sunshine Health #Cedene Foundation

Sunshine Health and Centene Foundation Join Forces to Tackle Food Insecurity in Florida

In a significant effort to combat food insecurity in the Sunshine State, Sunshine Health and the Centene Foundation recently announced an investment of $410,000. This strategic funding is aimed at assisting families struggling to access nutritious food, especially in light of recent challenges affecting vital nutrition assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children).

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, approximately 47.4 million people nationwide face food insecurity, including 13.8 million children. To address this pressing issue, Sunshine Health and the Centene Foundation have committed $300,000 to support Farm Share, Inc., one of Florida's largest and most trusted nonprofit organizations dedicated to alleviating food scarcity. This funding is expected to enable Farm Share to distribute an impressive 125,000 pounds of food, translating to over 104,000 meals for families in need. Citizens looking for food distribution can find resources and locations on the Farm Share website.

Stephen Shelley, CEO of Farm Share, expressed gratitude for the partnership: "The shutdown has created a wave of uncertainty for thousands of Florida families. Thanks to Centene Foundation's partnership, we can respond with action, compassion and the simple promise that food will be there when it is needed most."

Additionally, the remaining $110,000 from the investment will be disbursed among various organizations state-wide. At least one of these will be located in every Medicaid region, ensuring broad coverage and support. Recipient organizations include community-centric groups like the DSR Public Health Foundation, Lutheran Social Services of NEFL Food Pantry, People Helping People in Hernando County, and the Vero Beach Salvation Army, among others.

Charlene Zein, President and CEO of Sunshine Health, emphasized the company's mission by stating, "At Sunshine Health, our mission is rooted in uplifting the communities we serve. We are grateful for the unwavering support of the Centene Foundation and our partnership with nonprofit partners like Farm Share, who allow us to extend vital resources to those most in need. Together, we are not only responding to immediate challenges but also building a foundation for healthier, more resilient communities across Florida."

The relevance of this funding cannot be overstated, especially during times when access to healthy meals is threatened. Leah Suarez, CEO of Our Village Okeechobee, stated, "Your award of $10,000 is HUGE for our community. This award is bringing me to tears, for the good that we can do to feed our children and families in unprecedented times."

This investment forms a part of a broader $1.5 million commitment from the Centene Foundation towards organizations nationwide, particularly focusing on food banks and community groups working tirelessly to replenish their reserves as the demand for food assistance continues to rise. Alice Chen, Centene's Chief Health Officer, said, "Families across the country are facing unprecedented challenges as essential nutrition programs experience strain. Local organizations have been working tirelessly to meet these needs, and this emergency funding will fortify their efforts — helping ensure that children and families most at risk have access to healthy meals during this critical time."

Centene Corporation, which operates services across various states, remains committed to eliminating food insecurity. The organization has offered food or nutrition intervention programs in over 95% of its Medicaid plans. Its holistic approach addresses social factors that contribute to health outcomes, and top priorities like access to nutritious food.

In 2024, Centene invested an astounding $77.1 million in various food security initiatives. By forming innovative, community-based partnerships, Centene aims to combat food scarcity and chronic diseases. Initiatives include Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan, farmers market vouchers in Illinois, and grocery support for diabetic members in Nebraska, alongside maternal food care programs in Arkansas.

Sunshine Health operates numerous Community Connections Centers across Florida, conducting monthly food pantries as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring healthy food access. As one of Florida’s largest care plans, Sunshine Health emphasizes coordinated efforts to uplift the health of communities, one person at a time.

Overall, Sunshine Health and the Centene Foundation's proactive investment reflects their deep commitment to transforming community health through local, sustainable solutions.