Helping members in Hawaii with food insecurity

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (UHCCP) of Hawaii hosted a drive-through food distribution event in October, helping to support hundreds of families with a supply of much-needed groceries.

UnitedHealthcare is continuously working to advance health equity by addressing social determinants of health such as food insecurity, housing, education, transportation and employment. 

A UnitedHealthcare-sponsored federal grant program, in collaboration with the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services, identified nutrition as the No. 1 issue facing individuals with Medicaid or Medicare on Oahu over the last three-plus years.

To help alleviate food insecurity challenges many are continuing to face due to COVID-19, UHCCP members reserved a pick-up slot at local Kapolei High School, where they received groceries, including fresh produce from Aloun Farms and other non-perishable items.

Members also were given face masks, a set of food storage containers and health resources.

“UnitedHealthcare recognizes how important eating healthy food is to the overall health and well-being of Hawaii’s families, including individuals who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare,” said Dave Heywood, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Hawaii. “The food distribution, in collaboration with Aloun Farms and outstanding support from Kapolei High School, is part of UnitedHealthcare’s ongoing commitment to address social determinants that directly impact an individual’s health.”