Grants available to help providers fight hunger at the point of care

Date: 05/20/19

Healthcare providers who are in-network with Louisiana Healthcare Connections, and who have been in operation for at least three years, are eligible to apply for a 2019 Community Health Grant to fund projects or programs that address hunger and food insecurity.

The Community Health Grants program will make available six awards of up to $15,000 each to eligible Louisiana entities, including healthcare providers, schools and non-profit community organizations. The grants are targeted toward projects that contribute to strengthening individuals, families, and communities by providing food resources coupled with nutrition, health, and wellness education.

Defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life, food insecurity is an issue that affects every parish in Louisiana. According to Hunger Free America’s 2017 National Report on Hunger, approximately 20 percent of the state’s population is classified as food insecure. The report also found that Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecure children, and the highest rate of food insecure seniors, in the nation.

Since 2012, Louisiana Healthcare Connections has been dedicated to transforming health in Louisiana with a priority focus on healthy communities. Through continuous outreach and research, the health plan has identified food insecurity as an issue that affects a significant percentage of its members.

The Community Health Grants program was launched in 2018 as part of the health plan’s efforts to address food insecurity in the communities where its members live and work. The grant program was expanded in 2019 to increase the number of grant awards available and to add healthcare providers to the list of eligible entities.

Last year's awardees changed lives across Louisiana.

In 2018, more than $50,000 in grant funds was awarded to organizations fighting hunger in communities across the state, including:

• Southwest Louisiana Primary Health Care Community Garden, Opelousas, La.
• Abraham's Tent, Lake Charles, La.
• Food Bank of Centeral Louisiana, Alexandria, La.
• CrescentCare, New Orleans, La.
• LSU AgCenter & Community Partners, Bastrop, La.

Apply now.

Applications must be received no later than June 21, 2019. Grant awards will be announced by July 15, 2019. Additional information about this initiative as well as the Community Health Grants RFP are available on the organization’s website, www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com/grants. 

Questions concerning the grant application, application process, or reporting requirements may be directed to CommunityGrants@LouisianaHealthConnect.com.

Click here to read the official announcement from Louisiana Healthcare Connections.