Buckeye Health Plan and Centene Foundation Announce $200,000 Investment to Strengthen Food Security Efforts Across Ohio
Buckeye Health Plan and the Centene Foundation—the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC)—have announced an impactful and timely investment designed to address the growing challenge of food insecurity across Ohio. As economic pressures intensify and crucial public nutrition programs experience significant strain, this collaborative effort represents a vital step toward supporting communities in need and ensuring access to nutritious meals for vulnerable Ohio families.
This new commitment emerges during a period when millions of Americans find themselves facing mounting obstacles in securing consistent access to food. Recent operational disruptions and policy shifts within critical programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) have exacerbated existing gaps. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food insecurity currently affects approximately 47.4 million people across the United States, including an estimated 13.8 million children. In Ohio alone, close to 1.4 million residents—representing about 12% of the state’s population—rely on SNAP benefits to meet their basic nutritional needs. This includes more than 723,000 households that depend on the program as a lifeline for accessing healthy food.
In response to this urgent need, Buckeye Health Plan and the Centene Foundation have jointly invested $200,000 in the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. This funding will enhance efforts to expand access to nutritious food options throughout the state, support food distribution networks, and bolster the capacity of local organizations dedicated to hunger relief. The investment is not only a direct response to the current crisis but also a continuation of Buckeye’s long-standing commitment to addressing the social drivers of health and supporting Ohioans who face barriers to basic necessities.
A Strategic Part of a National Commitment
The $200,000 allocation to Ohio forms part of a broader, nationwide $1.5 million commitment from the Centene Foundation to strengthen food security infrastructure across the country. This larger initiative is focused primarily on supporting food banks and other community-based organizations that traditionally ramp up operations during the winter months, when demand for assistance typically peaks. However, many of these organizations are reporting heightened needs earlier than anticipated due to increased household financial pressures, reduced government benefits, and the lingering economic impacts of inflation.
By accelerating the deployment of emergency funding to Ohio and other states, the Centene Foundation aims to assist community partners in meeting immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability in local food systems.
Meeting Rising Demand and Protecting Vulnerable Families
The increasing demand for food assistance has placed immense pressure on local food banks, pantry networks, and nonprofit agencies. As these organizations work tirelessly to fill gaps left by strained public programs, private philanthropy and corporate partnerships have become essential to maintaining consistent food distribution. Centene executives emphasized the critical nature of this moment and the need for rapid response to ensure families do not face food shortages, particularly during the colder months when living costs rise.
“Families across the country are facing unprecedented challenges as essential nutrition programs experience strain and demand for food assistance continues to rise,” said Dr. Alice Chen, Centene’s Chief Health Officer. “Local organizations have been working tirelessly to meet these needs, and this emergency funding will strengthen their efforts—helping ensure that children and families most at risk have access to healthy meals during this critical time. Access to nutritious food is foundational to good health, and sustained investment in these programs is essential to improving long-term outcomes for vulnerable communities.”
Dr. Chen’s remarks highlight the strong connection between nutrition and overall health—a connection that has guided Centene’s philanthropic and healthcare strategies for decades. The company consistently prioritizes food access and nutrition interventions as crucial components of preventive care and long-term community wellness.
Centene’s Broader Strategy: Addressing Social Drivers of Health
Centene has emerged as one of the nation’s leading healthcare organizations committed to tackling the social determinants of health (SDOH). These include non-medical factors—such as housing, transportation, education, and food security—that influence up to 80% of health outcomes, according to national public health research. Access to nutritious food is particularly influential, affecting everything from childhood development and learning outcomes to chronic disease management and long-term health risks.
More than 95% of Centene’s Medicaid plans currently offer food or nutrition intervention programs. These initiatives vary by state but share the same core mission: reduce barriers to healthy eating and empower individuals to make sustainable dietary changes. In many cases, the programs also incorporate clinical guidance, community partnerships, and targeted outreach to support populations disproportionately affected by food insecurity.
In 2024, Centene invested more than $77.1 million toward food security programs nationwide. These efforts encompassed a wide array of local partnerships and innovative delivery models that integrate nutrition support directly into community health frameworks. Examples include:
- Fresh Food Pharmacies in Michigan: These programs utilize clinical settings to provide nutritious groceries and cooking education to patients diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Farmers Market Produce Vouchers in Illinois: Eligible members receive vouchers redeemable at local farmers markets, improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables while also supporting local growers.
- Grocery Support Programs for Diabetic Members in Nebraska: These initiatives help individuals manage diabetes by offering healthy food boxes and dietary counseling.
- Maternal Care Food Programs in Arkansas: Expectant and new mothers receive nutritious foods and educational support to promote healthy pregnancies and early childhood development.
Together, these initiatives reinforce Centene’s commitment to viewing food as a fundamental driver of health—not an optional add-on. By embedding nutrition initiatives within healthcare programs, Centene has demonstrated measurable impact on reducing hospitalizations, lowering healthcare costs, and improving the overall well-being of underserved communities.
Advancing Sustainable, Community-Driven Solutions
The investment announced by Buckeye Health Plan and the Centene Foundation reflects a broader philosophy that long-term solutions must be locally driven. The organizations recognize that the most effective strategies to combat hunger rely on community expertise, local partnerships, and tailored interventions that meet the unique needs of each region.
In Ohio, this means partnering with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks—an organization with deep reach across the state’s rural, suburban, and urban communities. The Association coordinates food distribution to pantries, shelters, and meal programs across all 88 counties. It also leads advocacy efforts to secure funding and support for major hunger relief programs.
By collaborating with a trusted statewide organization, Buckeye Health Plan and the Centene Foundation ensure that the $200,000 investment goes directly to where it is needed most, maximizing both impact and efficiency.
As economic uncertainties continue and food costs remain volatile, challenges surrounding hunger and nutrition are expected to persist. The joint investment by Buckeye Health Plan and the Centene Foundation demonstrates not only a timely emergency response but also a deeper, ongoing dedication to improving access to healthy food across Ohio.
Through continued collaboration with local partners, alignment with national hunger relief strategies, and a steadfast focus on social determinants of health, the organizations aim to build stronger, healthier communities. Their investment underscores a fundamental truth: access to nutritious food is not merely a basic need—it is a cornerstone of public health, community stability, and long-term well-being.
