Combatting Hunger: Project Bread Partners with Massachusetts Medicaid ACOs to Tackle Food Insecurity

Massachusetts organization Project Bread is tackling food insecurity through its partnerships with healthcare services like MassHealth. Executive Director Erin McAleer recently shared insights with Healthcare Innovation about how Project Bread is addressing health issues linked to lack of access to food.

Bridging Food and Health

Project Bread has a long history, spanning about 55 years. Its mission is to end hunger permanently. The organization not only provides immediate assistance to food-insecure households but also works to find long-term solutions. Each year, it helps about 8,000 patients while gathering research to support making its approach a permanent part of Medicaid, which happened in Massachusetts on January 1.

Innovative Solutions During a Crisis

The organization launched its program under a special Medicaid waiver in response to increased need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally planned for July 2020, the program was expedited to April 2020. "It was good timing," McAleer noted. Many patients needed more than just food — they required connections to resources.

Through this program, Project Bread connects individuals with vital food resources and assists with signing up for federal nutrition programs like SNAP and WIC. Alarmingly, over half of the patients they serve were not enrolled in these programs, even though most were eligible.

Beyond Food: Addressing Real Needs

To truly impact patients’ lives, Project Bread has expanded its services. They now provide grocery store gift cards, nutrition counseling, and essential kitchen supplies. This additional support was crucial, as many patients lacked basic kitchen equipment for food storage and preparation. In one touching story, a patient expressed joy over finally owning a refrigerator, which allowed him to eat better than before.

Collaboration for Better Health Outcomes

The organization collaborates with Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts, leading to better health outcomes. ACOs identify food-insecure patients and refer them to Project Bread. The results of this collaboration are promising: data shows a 19% increase in food security among participants and significant reductions in emergency room visits, saving about $2,500 per adult in healthcare costs.

Looking Ahead

As the program transitions from pilot to broader rollout, changes in eligibility may occur based on budget constraints. This thoughtful adjustment aims to ensure the program continues to serve those most in need while maintaining financial sustainability.

For a state like Massachusetts, which prioritizes access to healthcare, addressing food insecurity is a logical step. As McAleer points out, ensuring that people have healthy food is not just a cost-saving measure; it’s a fundamental right that impacts health and quality of life.

In a landscape where health and social needs increasingly intersect, Project Bread’s work exemplifies an innovative approach to tackling the intertwined challenges of food insecurity and healthcare. Making sure everyone has access to nutritious food should be a priority for all, as it paves the way for healthier communities.

For more details on similar initiatives across the country, you can check resources from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and learn how other states are implementing programs to address these critical issues.

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