Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has announced Health Through Food, a bold, multi-year initiative designed to reduce chronic conditions, improve health outcomes, and fight the rising costs of care across North Carolina by expanding access to nutritious food.
We’ve heard from communities across all 100 counties of North Carolina, and the message is clear: Chronic conditions are one of the most urgent health challenges facing our state. In fact:
- Chronic conditions are responsible for approximately two-thirds of all deaths in North Carolina.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death, followed by diabetes as the eighth leading cause. These chronic conditions are also the highest cost drivers for North Carolina's health care system.
- 90% of all health care costs in the U.S. go toward treating preventable diseases, including chronic conditions.
In response, we’re working with our members, providers, and community partners to help North Carolinians eat healthier, expand access to nutritious food, and grow Food is Medicine programs across the state.
"Access to nutritious food is essential for the health and well-being of our members and communities. However, for many North Carolinians, poor nutrition is resulting in diet-related chronic conditions, shorter lifespans and increased health care spending," said Dr. Marcus Wallace, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross NC. "If we focus on food being part of the solution rather than the problem, we can improve health outcomes and build a brighter, healthier state fueled by nutritious foods."
Here’s how we’re making it happen:
Making it easier for individuals to eat healthy – Eating healthy isn’t just about willpower or personal choice. Access to nutrition resources and community support plays a huge role in making healthy food choices. From nutrition counseling with registered dietitians for members to teaching kitchens offering hands-on learning for the community, we’re meeting people where they are offering tools and support to help build lasting, healthy habits.
Integrating Food is Medicine into the health care system – Blue Cross NC has been recognized as a pioneer in shaping Food is Medicine interventions through the results of our Feed Your Health program. The Blue Cross NC Foundation is a leading supporter of innovative community-based Food is Medicine programs throughout the state, which has elevated North Carolina to the forefront of the Food is Medicine movement.
Improving community health through access to healthy food – Limited access to nutritious food affects 1 in 7 people in North Carolina, creating a ripple effect that can lead to chronic and costly health conditions. We're working to change this by supporting community-based organizations and initiatives increasing access to nutritious food. From school meals to local farm connections and community gardens, we’re focused on helping transform the way healthy food reaches our members and communities.
Looking ahead:
"Centering Food is Medicine in our approach as an insurer paired with a more holistic effort to get healthy food in the hands of more North Carolinians, will not only positively impact health outcomes, but also help make health care more accessible and more affordable for all," said Dr. Marcus Wallace, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross NC.
For more information, visit our Health Through Food page.
