The Elevance Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Elevance Health Inc., has announced $22.8 million in grants in support of programs that leverage food as medicine.

Part of the foundation’s three-year, $30 million plan to encourage the use of food as medicine, the grants are aimed at helping individuals and families reach optimal health through good nutrition. The foundation has awarded more than $14 million to the Feeding America network to expand their current partnership, known as the “Food as Medicine” program, and help fund up to 30 member food banks that are working with healthcare partners. Nineteen other organizations across the country will receive more than $8.7 million over the next three years for their food as medicine initiatives, including the Center of Wellness for Urban Women, Inc., Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio, and Children’s Hunger Alliance.

“Having consistent access to nutritious food is an essential part of maintaining one’s health and improving overall health outcomes. But between continued economic fallout from the pandemic, record-high food prices and more, access to healthy and nutritious food is getting harder for Americans,” said Elevance Health chief health officer Shantanu Agrawal. “We know that hunger, health, and well-being are all deeply connected. That’s why the Elevance Health Foundation is focusing on programs that help prevent the onset of diet-related health conditions and demonstrate improved health outcomes. Our partners are committed to health equity and whole health and have a deep understanding of the health-related needs of the populations they serve.”

(Photo credit: Elevance Health Foundation)