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Meridian and the Centene Foundation Announce $1 Million Grant to the Food Bank Council of Michigan
Prnewswireยท2025-07-31 17:45

Core Insights - The partnership between Meridian Health Plan of Michigan and the Centene Foundation aims to enhance access to fresh food and improve health outcomes in rural southwest Michigan through a $1 million grant to the Food Bank Council of Michigan [1][8] - The initiative focuses on addressing food insecurity, which is linked to diet-sensitive chronic diseases, by implementing a two-phased program that includes upgrading food pantries and establishing a fresh food pharmacy [2][5] Phase One Summary - Phase One will upgrade two existing food pantries to become Nourish MI Pantries, which will provide fresh, nutritious food and support health and equity partnerships [2][3] - The upgraded pantries will implement food as medicine interventions and receive technological support for future In Lieu of Services (ILOS) implementation [4] - The initiative aims to strengthen local food access and build capacity for ILOS operations for participating Medicaid health plans [4] Phase Two Summary - Phase Two, starting in 2026, will designate and upgrade five additional Nourish MI Pantries and fund the Fresh Food Pharmacy program at Grace Health [5] - The Fresh Food Pharmacy will assist eligible patients with diet-sensitive chronic conditions in accessing nutritious food and health education [5] Context of Food Insecurity - Over 1.4 million people in Michigan face food insecurity, with more than 378,000 being children, particularly affecting rural communities with limited access to grocery stores [6] - The partnership aims to address the root causes of health disparities and improve overall health outcomes in these communities [2][8] Organizational Background - Meridian Health Plan of Michigan provides managed care services primarily through Medicaid and is part of Centene Corporation [9] - The Centene Foundation focuses on investing in economically challenged communities and improving health equity [10] - The Food Bank Council of Michigan leads efforts to end hunger in the state by advocating for policies and providing resources to food banks [11]