Buckeye Health Plan and Centene Foundation Make $200,000 Investment to Help Tackle Food Insecurity in Ohio

Core Insights - Buckeye Health Plan and Centene Foundation announced a $200,000 investment to combat food insecurity in Ohio, addressing challenges exacerbated by disruptions to SNAP and WIC programs [1][2] - Approximately 47.4 million Americans, including 13.8 million children, are affected by food insecurity, with 1.4 million Ohioans receiving SNAP benefits [1][3] - This investment is part of a broader $1.5 million commitment from Centene Foundation to support food banks and community organizations nationwide [3][4] Investment Details - The $200,000 investment will support the Ohio Association of Food Banks to enhance access to nutritious food across communities in Ohio [2] - Centene's commitment to food security includes a $77.1 million investment in 2024, focusing on innovative partnerships to address food insecurity and chronic diseases [5][6] Organizational Commitment - Centene has integrated food and nutrition intervention programs into over 95% of its Medicaid plans, recognizing the importance of access to nutritious food for health outcomes [4][5] - The Centene Foundation aims to improve health equity by addressing social determinants of health, including food access, healthcare, and education [7]