Louisiana Healthcare Connections, a Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation, announced today a $125,000 investment to support increased food access across some of Louisiana’s most underserved regions. The funding will assist four regional food banks in expanding critical services that address hunger, improve health outcomes and support families living in the state’s most rural and impoverished communities.
The four organizations are: Food Bank of Central Louisiana; Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana; Northshore Food Bank; and Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana.
The initiative prioritizes strengthening the food security infrastructure in communities that often face the greatest barriers to consistent, nutritious food access. Funding will enable:
- Emergency food support
- Direct food acquisition and distribution to ensure consistent access to food
- Food pantry expansion in underserved areas
- Mobile food distribution
Each of these nonprofit partners has a proven track record of delivering large-scale hunger-relief services and longstanding collaborative relationships with Louisiana Healthcare Connections and its members.
“This investment goes directly to the heart of what we believe in — addressing the social, economic and environmental factors that influence health,” said Jamie Schlottman, plan president of Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “These food banks serve the most rural parts of our state, where families face the deepest resource gaps. By supporting their expansion and emergency response capabilities, we are strengthening the safety net for Louisiana communities that need it most.”
The Centene Foundation’s contribution underscores a shared commitment to improving whole-person health by addressing basic needs that influence long-term well-being. Expanded food distribution, enhanced pantry operations and improved emergency food services will allow the four food banks to reach more families, seniors and children in need — particularly in areas where transportation, poverty and limited access to nutritious food remain persistent challenges.
“Access to nutritious food is the foundation of a healthy community, and too many families across rural Louisiana are being forced to go without,” said Yvette Roussel, CEO of Northshore Food Bank. “This investment from Louisiana Healthcare Connections and the Centene Foundation gives food banks like ours the ability to reach further into underserved communities and provide consistent support to the individuals who rely on us. It’s a partnership that truly strengthens our capacity to fight hunger and improve the well-being of the families we serve.”
“Louisiana Healthcare Connections has worked with each of these food banks for years, and we’ve seen firsthand their effectiveness and dedication,” Schlottman added. “We are proud to stand alongside them in this effort to deliver meaningful, measurable support to communities throughout the state.”
For more information about Louisiana Healthcare Connections, visit our website.
About Louisiana Healthcare Connections
A Medicaid health plan serving the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana Healthcare Connections was launched in 2012 to provide the best benefits and programs possible to improve the overall health of the families and communities we serve. We are a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), focused on identifying and removing barriers to good health with sustainable solutions that help improve health outcomes. Through a family of engaged employees, dedicated providers and community partners, we deliver care for the health of all with Medicaid Made Personal. For more information, visit our website.
About Centene Foundation
The Centene Foundation (the “Foundation”), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSC: CNC) (“Centene”). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene’s mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing drivers of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation’s website.