Working with Harvesters to provide healthy food in Kansas City

Food insecurity is a societal issue that affects 1 in 9 people in the United States. In the Kansas City area alone, nearly 14% of the community face food insecurity.  Humana, along with Harvesters – The Community Food Network, and Health Resources by Humana, are addressing food insecurity through unique partnerships, in close collaboration with physicians and community partners.

The latest partnership with Harvesters involves distributing healthy food through Health Resources by Humana and clinics located inside Walgreens stores in the Kansas City region. The clinic staff already screen for food insecurity and can refer people to a food pantry or help with a SNAP application. Through this process, the dietitians and clinic staff quickly identified a need for immediate nutrition assistance. Together, we developed a program for Harvesters to provide shelf-stable healthy food kits for distribution through clinics within Walgreens, including Health Resources by Humana.

The kits contain items that are whole grain, lean protein, low sodium and no sugar added. This ensures emergency food needs are addressed, while also promoting good nutrition and helping patients manage chronic illnesses like diabetes or hypertension. This is an innovative solution to address food insecurity and likely filling a gap in communities that may not have a traditional food pantry nearby.  We understand that health is local and through holistic, place-based initiatives, Humana and partners are meeting the needs of the community, where they are.

Read the press release here.