Cigna Healthcare Commits $600,000 To Reduce Food Insecurity Among Seniors

Rhea-AI Summary

Cigna Healthcare, part of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), is investing $600,000 to address food insecurity among older Americans. The funds will support 54 community-based organizations across 12 states, impacting an estimated 1.4 million people in need. Programs receiving support include food- and nutrition-based initiatives, food pantries, mobile food deliveries, and nutritional meal boxes.

Dr. Jennifer Gutzmore, chief medical officer for Cigna Healthcare's Medicare business, emphasized the importance of addressing food insecurity to improve health outcomes among seniors. The investment aims to support older adults in maintaining balanced nutrition for their well-being. According to Feeding America, almost 7 million seniors are food insecure, with projections suggesting this number could reach 9 million by 2050.

Positive

• Investment of $600,000 to address food insecurity among seniors
• Potential impact on 1.4 million people in need
• Support for 54 community-based organizations across 12 states

Negative

• None.

54 community-based organizations receive funds to support the dietary needs of older adults

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna Healthcare, the health benefits division of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), is investing $600,000 in community-based organizations this fall to address food insecurity among older Americans. Collectively, the funds are expected to impact more than 1.4 million people in need.

"Food insecurity continues to be a major challenge for seniors in our country, and that can contribute to poor health outcomes among older populations due to them either not having enough to eat or not having sufficient access to healthy foods," said Dr. Jennifer Gutzmore, chief medical officer for Cigna Healthcare's Medicare business. "Through this investment, we aim to support older adults in maintaining balanced nutrition to support their well-being. We have a long history of supporting local nonprofits and are proud to partner with them to ensure that seniors can live with good health and vitality."

Fifty-four innovative programs spanning 12 states received critical financial support enabling them to reach thousands of seniors who face food insecurity. The organizations range from Salvation Army and United Way to local nonprofits that address food access issues as part of their overall programming and several local food banks. The sponsorships include support of programs and services such as food- and nutrition-based programs, food pantries, mobile food deliveries, and nutritional meal boxes. 

According to Feeding America, almost 7 million seniors are food insecure and research shows that number could reach 9 million by the year 2050. Six in 10 Americans also have at least one chronic disease, many exacerbated by unhealthy diets.

Food insecurity is a barrier that impacts access to care and contributes to health inequities. Addressing food insecurity among seniors is important to Cigna Healthcare, which offers Medicare Advantage plans to hundreds of thousands of older adults across the country.

About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Health companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and others. Learn more at cignahealthcare.com.

Media Contact:

Jocelyn Parker
Jocelyn.parker@cignahealthcare.com
(313) 510-4173

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SOURCE Cigna Healthcare

FAQ

How much is Cigna Healthcare investing to address food insecurity among seniors?

Cigna Healthcare is investing $600,000 to address food insecurity among older Americans.

How many organizations will receive funding from Cigna Healthcare's food insecurity initiative?

54 community-based organizations across 12 states will receive funding from Cigna Healthcare's initiative to address food insecurity among seniors.

What is the estimated number of people that will be impacted by Cigna Healthcare's food insecurity investment?

The funds are expected to impact more than 1.4 million people in need.

What types of programs will Cigna Healthcare's investment support?

The investment will support food- and nutrition-based programs, food pantries, mobile food deliveries, and nutritional meal boxes.