REPORT: Food Security Directly Impacts Personal Health

The Health Care Partnerships (HCP) team runs a revolutionary pilot utilizing Medicaid dollars for “non-medical” expenses to address food security as a social determinant of health. It is a referral based program conducted through MassHealth’s Flexible Services Program. Accountable Care Organization partners, including Community Care Cooperative, Boston Children's Hospital ACO and Boston Medical Center Health Net, send patient referrals to Project Bread. To reduce hunger and improve patient health, HCP works with patients referred to us due to food insecurity and medically complex health issues. Over six to nine months, we help increase their long-term food security by providing access to food through a variety of goods and services such as:

• grocery store gift cards

• transportation assistance

• procurement of kitchen supplies and appliances

• cooking classes

• nutrition counseling

• assistance connecting with federal nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and WIC

• referrals to nearby food pantries

We aim to address social, environmental and economic factors that influence their ability to purchase, prepare and consume healthy foods.

In John’s case, Project Bread’s support through the Flexible Services Program provided him with $100/month in gift cards for more nutritious foods, basic kitchen supplies necessary for cooking healthy meals, such as pots and pans, mixing bowls, and a hot plate. He also benefited from educational cooking classes, all together helping him take back control of his eating habits.

Patients like John are not unique, and the program is a critical resource to many. Now, it’s time to make policy solutions that will continue to help reduce these barriers.

“Not only has this program helped me financially in terms of paying for groceries, but the cooking shows [hosted by Project Bread chefs and nutritionists] have reignited my passion for cooking. Now, food is medicine to me.”  - John

“Massachusetts has long been a leader working to address food insecurity,” shares Congressman McGovern. “I’ve seen innovative solutions across the country, and I am proud to see the work happening in my home state through health care center partnerships with Project Bread and Community Care Cooperative. These are the solutions we need to uplift, and this is the reason why this September’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health will be a critical step in advancing national efforts to end food insecurity.”

Project Bread’s feedback analysis has found impressive early data from clients demonstrating that 25% of clients became food secure over six months of program participation, fruit and vegetable consumption increased by 3.5 servings per week, SNAP benefits utilization increased by 12.4%, and 99% of all clients report that participation in the program has improved their health. For our full impact report on preliminary findings, click here.

“We see the tangible impact this program has on people’s lives. Often, the day-to-day difficulties of accessing healthy food are lost in the broader conversation about food as medicine. Supporting client’s health and increasing food access is not one-size-fits-all, and this program allows us to meet clients where they are and provide solutions that work for them.” -Jennifer Obadia, Senior Director of Health Care Partnerships at Project Bread.

This past spring, the Biden administration announced that it will host a White House conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health, an initiative championed by Congressman McGovern. Project Bread supports this effort as we know that solving hunger requires policy change and both federal and state action. Together, we will work to meet people where they are and provide solutions that will sustain our community for the long-term.