Introduction
In communities across the nation, including New Mexico, the intersection of health and hunger presents a significant challenge, especially for low-income families, seniors, and veterans. Many individuals with restricted monthly incomes face difficult choices between buying food and paying for medical bills or medication, particularly when managing chronic health issues. Often, the food they can afford is of poor quality or consists of fast food, which can exacerbate their health conditions. Recognizing these challenges, initiatives like the Healthy Foods Center are emerging as vital resources, focusing on providing access to healthy alternatives and nutrition education to combat food insecurity and promote well-being.
The Healthy Foods Center Model
The Healthy Foods Center is an innovative approach to addressing food insecurity and its impact on health. Functioning as an on-site "medical referral" food pantry within Roadrunner Food Bank’s distribution center, it provides clients experiencing hunger and chronic illnesses with access to healthy foods, nutrition education, resources, and other supportive services.
Addressing the Root of the Problem
Designated health clinics refer their clients to the Center based on their health issues and chronic food insecurity. Once referred, clients can visit the Center weekly for two years, allowing them to "shop" for items that contribute to a healthier diet. This model helps reduce the detrimental effects of chronic health issues and chronic hunger by providing consistent access to nutritious food.
A Grocery Store Approach
The Healthy Foods Center is designed to resemble a grocery store, empowering clients to select items that align with their dietary needs and preferences. This approach promotes autonomy and dignity, allowing individuals to make informed choices about their health.
Comprehensive Services and Nutrition Education
The Healthy Foods Center goes beyond simply providing food; it offers a range of wrap-around services to support the overall well-being of its clients.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
On-Site Demonstration Kitchen
The Center features an on-site demonstration kitchen where partners like Kitchen Creations and the ICAN program offer nutrition education, recipes, cooking activities, and information about preparing healthier meals. These resources equip clients with the knowledge and skills to make sustainable dietary changes that improve their overall health.
The Power of Nutrition Education
Nutrition education is a cornerstone of the Healthy Foods Center's approach. By providing clients with the knowledge and skills to make informed food choices, the Center empowers them to take control of their health and well-being.
The Impact of Healthy Food Access
Access to healthy food has a profound impact on individuals and communities, addressing both immediate needs and long-term health outcomes.
Combating Chronic Illness
Research shows that individuals with limited incomes often struggle to afford nutritious food, leading to poor diets that can exacerbate chronic health conditions. By providing access to healthy foods, the Healthy Foods Center helps clients manage their conditions and improve their overall health.
Reducing Healthcare Costs
Preventive care, including access to healthy food, can significantly reduce healthcare costs in the long run. By addressing the root causes of chronic illness, the Healthy Foods Center helps clients avoid costly medical interventions and hospitalizations.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
Promoting Food Security
Food security is a fundamental human right. The Healthy Foods Center plays a vital role in promoting food security by ensuring that individuals and families have consistent access to nutritious food.
Community Involvement and Support
The Healthy Foods Center relies on the support of volunteers, donors, and community partners to achieve its mission.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Center is always looking for volunteers to assist when it is open to clients. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the Center runs smoothly and efficiently.
Financial Contributions
Every $1 gift can help the Healthy Foods Center distribute up to 5 meals. Financial contributions are essential for sustaining the Center's operations and expanding its reach.
Food and Fund Drives
Hosting a food and fund drive is an easy way to get family, friends, co-workers, and others involved in supporting the Healthy Foods Center. The Center can provide posters and tips on hosting a successful event.
Read also: Mobile Dining Revolution
Navigating Changes in Healthcare Benefits
The landscape of healthcare benefits is constantly evolving, and it's important to stay informed about changes that may affect access to healthy food.
Changes to Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP)
In 2026, there will be notable changes to certain plans, particularly Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). While these changes may seem intimidating, resources are available to help individuals navigate them.
Qualifying Conditions for Healthy Food Credits
Through 2025, UnitedHealthcare D-SNP members receive a monthly credit to help pay for OTC products, healthy food, and utility bills. In 2026, members will still be able to get the credit, but they will need to have a qualifying chronic health condition to spend credits on healthy food and utilities. Qualifying conditions may vary by carrier.
The End of the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model
In 2026, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is ending a program called the Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) model. This program helped health plans give extra non-medical benefits, like credits for healthy food and utilities.
Verifying Qualifying Conditions
If you're already a UnitedHealthcare D-SNP member, the company will do its best to verify that you have a qualifying condition using the information they have. If you're enrolling in a UnitedHealthcare Dual Special Needs plan for the first time, you may be asked to fill out the Additional Benefit Verification Form when you enroll.
Continued Access to Benefits
Even with these changes, members will still keep their UnitedHealthcare Dual Special Needs plan and their full monthly credit for OTC products. They can also use their monthly credit on wellness support like select fitness items, or get assistance through The Helper Bees for in-home services, weight management counseling, caregiver relief, and more.
Other Healthcare Providers
It's important to note that these changes affect all insurance companies that offer Dual Special Needs (D-SNP) plans, not just UnitedHealthcare. For example, Diamond members will receive $135 every month, which can be used to buy foods at select retailers, online, or by phone. Similarly, new Highmark Wholecare members have access to healthy food benefits, which they can access after activating their card.