Health Net Unveils Major 2025 Investments to Combat Escalating Food Insecurity Across California
Health Net, one of California’s most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, has announced a sweeping set of 2025 investments aimed at addressing the increasingly urgent problem of food insecurity throughout the state. These commitments come at a pivotal moment, as recent disruptions to CalFresh and other federal nutrition assistance programs have intensified the challenges faced by millions of Californians who rely on affordable, nutritious food to sustain their families. With many communities still recovering from economic instability and rising living costs, the need for stable access to food has never been more pressing.
The series of investments announced by Health Net seeks to strengthen the statewide network of community-based food resources — organizations that serve as the first line of defense for individuals and families experiencing hunger. The 2025 investment strategy is designed not only to offer immediate relief but also to support long-term, sustainable solutions that address the root drivers of food insecurity. This approach aligns closely with Health Net’s broader mission of improving whole-person health by ensuring communities have access to healthy food, stable housing, and other core necessities that profoundly influence health and quality of life.
“Food insecurity isn’t an abstract issue — it’s something felt in every community across our state. And the truth is, real change always begins close to home,” said Dorothy Seleski, Medi-Cal President at Health Net. “That’s why these investments matter so much. When we work together with people who know their communities best, we help ensure more families have steady access to the nourishing food that supports healthier, more hopeful lives.”
A Multimillion-Dollar Commitment to Fighting Hunger
In collaboration with the Centene Foundation and through Health Net–driven initiatives, more than $1.4 million has been committed in 2025 to support anti-hunger programs across California. This financial support spans a wide range of organizations that provide direct services, nutrition assistance, and community-level health interventions.
California remains one of the most food-insecure states in the country, with more than 5.5 million residents — including children, seniors, and vulnerable adults — experiencing some level of hunger. Rising housing costs, wage stagnation, inflation, and administrative disruptions to federal nutrition programs have all contributed to the growing need. Legislators and community leaders continue to emphasize the importance of private-sector and philanthropic support to complement state-level initiatives.
Senator Angelique V. Ashby of California’s 8th Senate District applauded the investment, noting the significance of corporate responsibility during a period of heightened community need. “Extremely proud of Health Net and the Centene Foundation for helping to keep families across the Golden State fed during this holiday season,” Ashby said. “Food insecurity is a terrifying reality for 5.5 million people in California, and over 270,000 right here in Sacramento County. This generous contribution will help thousands of people.”
Key 2025 Investments Supporting Statewide Food Access
Among the most substantial investments is a $1.1 million grant from both Health Net and the Centene Foundation to the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB). As the largest statewide coalition of food banks, CAFB plays an essential role in sourcing, distributing, and coordinating food supplies to communities across California. This grant is expected to help expand food procurement, increase emergency food distribution, and enhance partnerships with local organizations that reach underserved families.
In addition to statewide support, Health Net has directed targeted investments to community organizations in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, regions that have been disproportionately impacted by food insecurity. Grants have been awarded to:
- Hope the Mission, a leading nonprofit addressing homelessness and hunger
- St. Barnabas Senior Center of Los Angeles, which provides food and social services to vulnerable older adults
- Westside Infant-Family Network, an organization supporting parents and young children through early childhood and family-centered services
“Access to nutritious food changes lives,” said Ken Craft, CEO and Founder of Hope the Mission. “This generous support from Health Net allows us to reach more families across California and strengthen the safety net for those who need it most. Together, we’re not just addressing hunger — we’re building healthier communities.”
Additional Local Investments Across Counties
Health Net also announced a separate $105,000 investment distributed across Los Angeles, Sacramento, Tulare, and Mono counties. These funds are specifically intended to help communities mitigate the impact of recent changes and disruptions to SNAP (CalFresh) benefits, which have left many households facing sudden food shortages. Local food banks, community health organizations, and nonprofits will use the funding to expand emergency food boxes, maintain mobile food distribution efforts, and provide culturally relevant meal options to diverse community groups.
These county-level grants reflect Health Net’s hyper-local approach, which prioritizes collaborating with on-the-ground organizations that understand the unique challenges of their communities. Whether supporting rural farming communities, urban neighborhoods, or regions with high senior populations, Health Net’s strategy emphasizes equitable access to healthy food for all Californians.
Health Net Employees Step Up Through Volunteerism
In addition to its financial contributions, Health Net emphasizes hands-on community engagement. Throughout 2025, Health Net employees collectively contributed more than 500 volunteer hours to organizations dedicated to reducing hunger — from packing food boxes and staffing distribution sites to supporting local fundraising efforts.
This commitment reflects Health Net’s belief that corporate citizenship extends beyond financial investment. Employee volunteerism strengthens community relationships and reinforces the organization’s values of compassion, service, and community partnership.
Supporting Medically Tailored Nutrition Solutions
Health Net is also a proud supporter of the California Food is Medicine Coalition (CalFIMC), a network of food and nutrition service agencies that provide medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to individuals with complex health conditions. These services are particularly important for patients managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and kidney disease — conditions that are often worsened by inconsistent access to nutritious food.
CalFIMC has gained national attention for its research-backed approach demonstrating that medically tailored meals can reduce hospitalizations, improve health outcomes, and lower healthcare costs. Health Net’s partnership with CalFIMC supports efforts to bring these evidence-based nutrition interventions to more Medi-Cal members who stand to benefit the most.
A Holistic Approach to Community Health
Health Net’s 2025 investments illustrate a comprehensive strategy that looks beyond short-term relief to the structural factors driving food insecurity. By supporting food banks, nonprofit organizations, senior centers, family programs, and medically tailored meal providers, Health Net is strengthening a diverse network of community partners.
The organization also reinforces the belief that food is central to health and that equitable access to nutrition is essential for combating chronic disease, improving mental health, supporting child development, and fostering long-term community stability.
As Californians continue to face economic and food access challenges, Health Net’s commitment — both financially and through employee volunteerism — marks a significant contribution to statewide efforts to ensure that every resident has access to the nourishment they need to live a healthy, thriving life.
Source link: https://investors.centene.com/
