More than half of adults in the U.S. have one or more preventable diseases and the majority of these are diet-related chronic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension. Data shows that the prevalence of diet-related diseases is even higher among people who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity and that extensive racial and geographic disparities exist, with households of color and rural communities likely to experience higher rates of food insecurity. At Colorado Community Health Alliance (CCHA), we are committed to improving the health and well-being of all our members by embracing a holistic view of health that prioritizes access to nutritious and culturally relevant food and removes the barriers and disparities that lead to food insecurity.

CCHA is the regional organization that administers physical and behavioral health benefits and coordinates care for more than 270,000 Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members in Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, El Paso, Gilpin, Jefferson, Park and Teller counties. Many of our members who are dealing with diet-related diseases and food insecurity are affected by multiple overlapping issues that can make it difficult to access and afford nutritious food. Rising food costs, financial struggles, lack of transportation and affordable housing, among other challenges, can all contribute to food insecurity. For people who are also coping with diet-related chronic conditions, the combination of stress and poor nutrition from food insecurity can make it difficult to manage their condition. It can also lead to poor health, even for individuals who do not already have a diet-related health condition. The “food is medicine” movement aims to address food insecurity and reduce diet-related illness.

Nutritious food can be a powerful tool when it comes to managing and even preventing disease. CCHA is dedicated to developing and maintaining innovative collaborations with providers and community partners to identify and close gaps in disparities and increase access to nutritious food for our members and their families. We are implementing programs in the regions where our members live and work that address the critical link between nutrition and health.

Recently, CCHA teamed with Widefield School District 3 to open the Widefield School District 3 Goodr grocery store, which provides 200 families a month with regular access to nutritious food. CCHA has committed to funding this grocery store, located at Security Public Library, for two years because schools play such a vital role in the lives of children, acting as a conduit for essential care and support.

CCHA also piloted a program with Project Angel Heart to reduce inpatient stays for CCHA members with diabetes. The program provides an eight-week dietary, medically tailored meal service for members who have at least one inpatient stay. CCHA was responsible for the cost of the meals and delivery. CCHA saw a reduction in hospital visits and health care costs for those participating in the medically tailored meal service and plans to extend the pilot program to other conditions as a means to enhance health outcomes and generate cost savings for health care systems.

In addition, CCHA is working with Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger to fund microgrants that promote equitable access to affordable, nutritious food and reduce barriers for underserved communities across Teller, El Paso and Park counties. In El Paso County, these grants supported local farms, bringing more fresh and seasonal produce and foods to a locally-owned grocery store in southern Colorado Springs. The funds were also used to pilot farmers’ markets in southeastern Colorado Springs in response to the local community’s need for more access to healthy, fresh foods, while supporting local farmers and donating any excess produce to local food pantries. Finally, funds supported efforts to build a network of partners to help ensure immigrant families and those with disabilities living in rural areas of Colorado can access critical resources and support during emergencies by hosting workshops, providing compensation and purchasing computer equipment.

These collaborative efforts with school districts, community partners and others help decrease barriers so that our members have access to healthy, affordable and culturally affirming foods, helping them reach optimal health through good nutrition. To learn more about CCHA and our commitment to food is medicine and building the bridge between nutrition and health for our members in Colorado Springs and beyond, please visit CCHAcares.com.

About the Authors

Together, Amy Yutzy, Plan President, Behavioral Health and Colleen Daywalt, Vice President, Government Programs, lead Colorado Community Health Alliance.