5 payers join White House food security initiative

Several payers are making commitments to advance a White House initiative to end hunger and reduce diet-related disease by 2030. 

On Feb. 27, the Biden Administration announced $1.7 billion in commitments to tackle food and nutrition issues.

Here are five health insurers participating in the initiative: 

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina: The insurer will expand its one-on-one nutrition coaching program and food delivery services to be a standard benefit for members. 
   
   
2. Cigna Healthcare: In Florida, Cigna will launch a food-as-medicine program to select clients in the state. In Texas, it will partner with the Houston mayor's office to improve resources for the underserved in the city. 
   
   
3. Highmark Health: The payer and its affiliated health system, Allegheny Health Network, will put $30 million toward social determinants of health, including screenings for health plan members and nutrition coaching at six Allegheny Health Network hospitals. 
   
   
4. Kaiser Permanente: The organization will launch a dedicated community support hub for health-related social needs. 
   
   
5. Point32Health: The nonprofit insurer will provide $1.5 million in grants to organizations supporting food security.