HealthLinc was awarded a $1.5 million grant by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation to support a food as medicine program to promote the health of its patients. The grant focuses on using food to prevent or manage chronic conditions, reduce food insecurity and increase access to resources.

“Many of our patients struggle to manage their chronic health conditions,” states Beth Wrobel, HealthLinc CEO. “We know that access to nutritious food, along with knowledge on how to create, prepare and maintain a healthy diet can make all the difference.”

Patients work with their provider to begin a health journey that includes access to healthy food, nutrition education and the opportunity to take cooking classes and potentially receive cooking supplies to assist them in healthy food preparation.

“This grant illustrates Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s commitment to support an individual’s whole health,” said Kimberly Roop, M.D., President of the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid plan. “We believe food is medicine, and that’s why we are committed to working with community partners such as HealthLinc to address food insecurity and other social factors that prevent people from living healthy lives.”

HealthLinc, partnering with Cultivate Food and local food banks, will regularly distribute food boxes and prepared meals to program participants. The food is designed for patients with chronic disease or serious health conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

The program has already started and has a goal of 1,000 total patients over the two-year grant period.

“We are grateful that Elevance Health Foundation selected us to be a part of this important program to break down the barriers our patients face and help them to live the happy, healthy life they deserve,” states Wrobel.

For more information about the HealthLinc Food As Medicine program, contact Jodie Wexelberg at jwexelberg@healthlincchc.org.