Buckeye Health Plan Partners with Appalachian Accessible Food Network to Distribute Fresh Food to Ohioans in Need
Date: 09/15/21
Buckeye Health Plan (Buckeye) recently partnered with Community Food Initiatives (CFI) and Rural Action (RA), rural food cooperatives that are part of the Appalachian Accessible Food Network in Athens, Ohio, to distribute a total of approximately 10,000 pounds of fresh, local food at two events in August and September. The distribution not only impacted the lives of those who received the food, but also the farmers who grew the food in the region.
Athens County has the lowest median income in Ohio and is the only county in the state with a poverty rate above 30%. Currently, 4.6% of the county's labor force is out of a job, a higher unemployment rate than the state and national averages. Buckeye is committed to bringing healthy food to low-income communities across Ohio. Underserved residents are likely to suffer from food-related health problems at rates significantly higher than the population as a whole.
The food distribution events in Athens were a great success, with each event distributing about 5,000 pounds of healthy local food to community-based organizations serving 400 Ohio families in need. The distributed items also included health tip cards to further support wellness for underserved Ohioans.
“We’re honored to invest in the lives of our members and all Ohio residents in need,” said Steve Province, Buckeye President and CEO. “And we’re grateful we can partner with all the participating organizations at this event and further the important work they do in the community. Events like these are a part of Buckeye’s commitment to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time.”
Buckeye Health Plan offers managed healthcare for Ohioans on Medicaid, Medicare, integrated Medicaid-Medicare (called MyCare Ohio) and the Health Insurance Exchange. Since 2004, Buckeye has been dedicated to improving the health of Ohioans, many with low incomes, by providing coordinated healthcare and other essential supports that individuals and families need to grow and thrive. Follow Buckeye on Twitter @Buckeye_Health and on Facebook. Buckeye is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading multi-national healthcare enterprise offering core Medicaid, Medicare and specialty services.
Spokespersons for Buckeye and the receiving organizations are available for comment.