August 8, 2024, BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–FarmboxRx, the leader in Food as Engagement and pioneering the introduction of fresh fruits and vegetables as a covered health intervention, today announced a new partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee (BCBST), the largest insurer in the state of Tennessee.
Through this partnership, FarmboxRx and BCBST aim to address the nationwide food shortage while improving health outcomes and screening attendance. BCBST members will receive deliveries of healthy foods with disease-specific health education delivered directly to their doorsteps after completing important screenings.
One in seven people in the state of Tennessee experience hunger, and 40 percent of families with children report being food insecure. This partnership will expand access to nutritious food at a time when Tennesseans, particularly in urban areas, continue to struggle with the affordability and availability of healthy meals and, as a result, are at higher risk for developing long-term health problems and complications.
This announcement comes shortly after the release of BCBST’s Health Equity Report, which examines the root causes of health disparities across race, ethnicity, age and economic status. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in partnership with a purpose-built company.
“To reduce health disparities, we must first address the social determinants of health in these communities,” said Ashley Tyrner, founder and CEO of FarmboxRx. “Food insecurity is a multidimensional issue – and it’s not always just about having access to food. Given the unique challenges each community faces, it’s critical that we assess state-specific barriers to nutrition and the health issues that result from them. Our health system partners understand this, and I’m grateful for their commitment to our shared mission.”
In addition to addressing nutritional needs, FarmboxRx can also improve the health of individuals by providing disease-specific health literacy materials in each box. The programs provide members with information about their health and the services covered by their insurer, in this case BCBST.
The health literacy materials encourage members to take proactive and informed care of their own and their families’ well-being in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner. FarmboxRx’s unique approach of using healthy food delivery as a member motivational tool has helped healthcare organizations nationally promote health equity and foster self-efficacy.
To date, FarmboxRx has delivered millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy groceries and medically-prepared meals to members of managed care organizations in all 50 states across the country and has partnered with more than 90 health plans. For more information about FarmboxRx, visit www.farmboxrx.com.
About FarmboxRx
FarmboxRx is a leading member engagement platform that partners with healthcare organizations to improve member health through customizable nutrition solutions and health literacy. Since 2014, FarmboxRx has provided meaningful, scalable, and medically appropriate support to advance health equity and promote self-efficacy in individuals to achieve the best possible level of health.
Contacts
Hanna Refvik
SolComms
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