54 community-based organizations receive funds
to support the dietary needs of older adults
BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Oct. 21,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna Healthcare, the health
benefits division of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), is investing
$600,000 in community-based
organizations this fall to address food insecurity among older
Americans. Collectively, the funds are expected to impact more than
1.4 million people in need.
"Food insecurity continues to be a major challenge for seniors
in our country, and that can contribute to poor health outcomes
among older populations due to them either not having enough to eat
or not having sufficient access to healthy foods," said Dr.
Jennifer Gutzmore, chief medical
officer for Cigna Healthcare's Medicare business. "Through this
investment, we aim to support older adults in maintaining balanced
nutrition to support their well-being. We have a long history of
supporting local nonprofits and are proud to partner with them to
ensure that seniors can live with good health and vitality."
Fifty-four innovative programs spanning 12 states received
critical financial support enabling them to reach thousands of
seniors who face food insecurity. The organizations range from
Salvation Army and United Way to local nonprofits that address food
access issues as part of their overall programming and several
local food banks. The sponsorships include support of programs and
services such as food- and nutrition-based programs, food pantries,
mobile food deliveries, and nutritional meal boxes.
According to Feeding America, almost 7 million seniors are food
insecure and research shows that number could reach 9 million by
the year 2050. Six in 10 Americans also have at least one
chronic disease, many exacerbated by unhealthy diets.
Food insecurity is a barrier that impacts access to care and
contributes to health inequities. Addressing food insecurity among
seniors is important to Cigna Healthcare, which offers Medicare
Advantage plans to hundreds of thousands of older adults across the
country.
About Cigna Healthcare
Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates
for better health through every stage of life. We guide our
customers through the health care system, empowering them with the
information and insight they need to make the best choices for
improving their health and vitality. Products and services are
provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The
Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), including Cigna Health and Life Insurance
Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth
Health companies or their affiliates, and Express Scripts companies
or their affiliates. Such products and services include an
integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental,
behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and
others. Learn more at cignahealthcare.com.
Media Contact:
Jocelyn Parker
Jocelyn.parker@cignahealthcare.com
(313) 510-4173
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SOURCE Cigna Healthcare
