Healthcare Steps Up as Illinois Families Face Rising Food Insecurity

By Michael Bennett

As inflation continues to strain household budgets and federal nutrition assistance programs face reductions, a growing number of Illinois families are struggling to put food on the table. In response, healthcare providers are increasingly stepping into the breach, recognizing the profound link between food security and overall health. Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, alongside the Centene Foundation, recently announced a $300,000 investment in 17 local food banks and pantries, a move that signals a broader shift in how healthcare is addressing the social determinants of health.

According to recent data from Feeding Illinois, nearly 1 in 8 residents – including 1 in 6 children – are food insecure. This figure represents a significant increase since the start of the pandemic, exacerbated by the recent expiration of temporary SNAP benefits in March 2023. The end of these emergency allotments has left hundreds of thousands of Illinois households with reduced monthly assistance, forcing difficult choices between food, rent, and healthcare.

“We’re seeing a real surge in demand at food banks across the state,” says a representative from a central Illinois food pantry. “Families who were already struggling are now facing even greater challenges. The reduction in SNAP benefits has been devastating for many.”

Meridian’s $300,000 investment is part of a larger $1.5 million commitment from the Centene Foundation to organizations nationwide. The funds will support vital services at organizations like Beyond Hunger, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and the Southern Illinois Food Pantry Network. But is this enough to address the scale of the problem?

Beyond Charity: Recognizing the Health-Food Connection

The investment isn't simply a charitable act; it reflects a growing recognition within the healthcare industry that food security is a fundamental determinant of health. Studies consistently demonstrate the link between malnutrition and a range of health problems, including chronic diseases, weakened immune systems, and developmental delays in children. These health issues drive up healthcare costs and place a strain on the system.

“For years, healthcare has focused primarily on treating illness,” explains a health policy expert at a Chicago-based research institution. “Now, there’s a growing understanding that we need to address the root causes of health problems – things like poverty, lack of access to education, and food insecurity. Investing in food security isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also a smart economic investment.”

Meridian Health Plan is taking a multifaceted approach. Beyond the direct financial support to food banks, the organization is also integrating food security screenings into its primary care services. This allows providers to identify patients at risk of food insecurity and connect them with available resources.

“We’re trying to be proactive,” says a representative from Meridian. “If we can identify patients who are struggling to afford food, we can connect them with food banks, SNAP assistance, and other resources. This can help prevent health problems down the road.”

Filling the Gap – But Systemic Solutions are Needed

While the efforts of Meridian and other healthcare providers are commendable, experts caution that they are not a substitute for systemic solutions. The root causes of food insecurity – poverty, inequality, and lack of access to affordable housing – require broader policy interventions.

“Healthcare can play a role in mitigating the immediate effects of food insecurity,” says the health policy expert. “But we need to address the underlying issues that are driving hunger in the first place. This requires investments in education, job training, affordable housing, and a living wage.”

Furthermore, access to nutritious food remains a challenge, even for those who can afford it. Food deserts – areas with limited access to grocery stores and fresh produce – disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color.

“It’s not enough to just give people money to buy food,” says a community organizer working in a food desert on Chicago’s South Side. “We need to make sure that people have access to healthy, affordable food options in their communities. This requires investments in grocery stores, farmers markets, and community gardens.”

A Shifting Paradigm

The growing involvement of healthcare providers in addressing food insecurity represents a significant shift in how healthcare is delivered. The traditional focus on treating illness is giving way to a more holistic approach that recognizes the importance of social determinants of health.

This shift has the potential to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and create more equitable communities. But it requires a long-term commitment from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations.

As one anonymous source stated, “We’re starting to realize that healthcare isn’t just about what happens inside a doctor’s office. It’s about creating the conditions that allow people to live healthy, fulfilling lives. And that means addressing the social, economic, and environmental factors that impact health.”

Meridian’s investment is a positive step, but sustaining these efforts and scaling them up will require a collective commitment to building a more just and equitable food system. The current patchwork of support, while vital, isn’t enough to meet the growing need, and a more coordinated, systemic approach is crucial to ensure that all Illinois residents have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.