Health Plan Highlights Healthy Eating During National Nutrition Month
Date: 03/06/26
Baton Rouge, LA
In recognition of March as National Nutrition Month, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is encouraging Louisiana residents to make heart-healthy food choices that can help manage blood pressure and support long-term health. Good nutrition plays a critical role in preventing and managing high blood pressure—one of the most common chronic conditions affecting adults in Louisiana—while also supporting overall wellness for children and families.
With nearly 1 in 6 Louisianans experiencing food insecurity, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is addressing nutrition access through funding, volunteering, education, and community outreach efforts across the state. These initiatives are designed to make healthy eating more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for communities most at risk for chronic disease.
As part of its focus on heart health, Louisiana Healthcare Connections promotes practical nutrition education and resources, including:
- Assisting with the "Build a Healthy Meal” heart-healthy recipe series, designed to support blood pressure management and other chronic health issues. through its long-standing partnership with the LSU AgCenter.
- Advising members regarding WIC nutrition resources for parents and children, seasonal guidance on choosing healthy foods, and specialized guidance for expectant moms.
- Offering provider education on high blood pressure management and nutrition options, such as the DASH Diet, in continuing education webinars.
- Promoting community nutrition initiatives such as the Louisiana Department of Health’s Greaux the Good Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) match funding at farmers markets and the new Louisiana Carrot Initiative that encourages SNAP participants to choose more fresh fruits and vegetables.SNAP shoppers can receive a 30-cent produce bonus for every SNAP dollar spent on eligible fruits and vegetables at participating retailers—earning up to $25 per month in bonus benefits.
Programs like these help families stretch food budgets while supporting heart health and healthy growth for children.
“Good nutrition is a powerful driver of good health, especially when it comes to managing blood pressure and preventing chronic disease,” said Jamie Schlottman, Plan President of Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “Access to nutritious food is essential for children, seniors, and individuals living with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Our investments in food access and education reflect our commitment to building healthier communities across Louisiana.”
The health plan has also made significant funding available statewide to support community food distributions, school-based pantries, and medically tailored food programs that help individuals manage chronic health conditions through nutrition.
For heart-healthy recipes and nutrition resources, visit the LSU AgCenter’s Build a Healthy Meal program on their website.
For more information on Louisiana Healthcare Connections, visit their website.
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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 their website .