Championing Food Access for Better Health
As the most commonly reported unmet social need, food security hits close to home, impacting every community in our nation. That’s why Anthem is leading the way to expand access to nutritious foods and improve health.
Watch the video to learn more about the link between food and health and what Anthem is doing to make nutritious food more accessible.
Food insecurity isn’t an isolated or far-off problem—it’s close to home.
Food security is the most commonly reported unmet social need in the United States. That means people you know—your neighbors, coworkers, and friends—could be facing food insecurity. You might even be surprised to find out that your community houses food deserts where it’s difficult to buy healthy, affordable food.
To see how food insecurity is impacting your community
Consistent access to nutritious food is an essential part of maintaining good health.
Yet an estimated 54 million Americans will face food insecurity this year. That’s why we have made a company-wide commitment to combat food insecurity. Read the infographic to see how we, alongside our 70,000+ dedicated Anthem associates, are working to make nutritious food more accessible in the communities we serve.
Tackling Food Insecurity for Better Health
Food and Health Perspectives SEE ALL STORIES
EQUITABLE FOOD ACCESS TAKES ROOT IN AN INDIANAPOLIS COMMUNITY
ThinkAnthem, 07-16-2021
Food insecurity is the most commonly reported unmet social need in the United States. 40 percent of households report moderate to high levels of food insecurity and its only gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that 2 out of 5 food bank visitors in the last year are people experiencing food insecurity...
CREATING SUSTAINABLE CHANGE ACROSS THE HEALTH ECOSYSTEM
ThinkAnthem, 06-30-2021
Food insecurity is one of many social drivers of health, impacting over 42 million people across the nation, including more than 13 million children. Individuals living in food-insecure households are at an increased risk for chronic health conditions including hypertension, coronary heart disease and kidney disease, and to this affect, has been linked to over...
Study evaluates COVID-19’s impact on food-shopping behavior for food-insecure populations
News-Medical, 07-13-2021
While grocery stores remained open as an essential business and thrived financially throughout the pandemic, this prosperity did not translate to a consistent and sufficient food supply for many customers. Researchers have found that, on average, people went to the grocery store less frequently and spent more per trip during the pandemic.
Nine out of 10 people getting SNAP benefits struggle to access a healthy diet, new study shows
NBC News, 06-23-2021
Almost 90 percent of people receiving SNAP — the federal food assistance program formerly known as food stamps — are struggling to access healthy food, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study released Wednesday.
Indianapolis’ Northeast Corridor Selected for Food Initiative
Inside Indiana Business , 06-30-2021
Local Initiatives Support Corp. Indianapolis and Anthem Foundation have selected the Northeast Corridor in Indy to be the focal point of a three-year, $2.5 million program to improve nutritious food access. The organizations say the effort will help build a more equitable food system.
Nearly one-third of young adults experiencing food insecurity
The Hill, 07-21-2021
According to a survey of 18- to 29-year-olds from 2020, many who are disproportionately affected are those who live with children or identify as Black, Indigenous or as a person of color.
People experiencing food insufficiency more likely to lack access to mental health services
The Hill, 07-17-2021
During the pandemic, many households experienced food insecurity due to closures and job losses. This can lead to mental health concerns like anxiety and depression symptoms. But a new analysis of survey data suggests that people who are food insecure may not be getting access to the services that they need.
Food security isn’t enough. Anti-hunger experts say the focus should be on nutrition security.
The Washington Post, 06-11-2021
You’ve probably heard the phrase “food security” to describe consistent access to food. But many health professionals and policymakers think it’s an inadequate term. Instead, they say, we should be focused on “nutrition security.” That term emphasizes access, availability and affordability of foods that promote well-being and prevent or treat disease, not just foods that...
The Counter, 06-08-2021
Food banks and pantries saw a surge of need during the pandemic. To keep helping effectively, they’ll have to address systemic shortfalls.