A recipe for better health: Improving health through food

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), we believe that food isn’t just fuel, it’s a core component of living a healthy, full life. That’s why we’re deepening our commitment to making nutritious foods a reality for more people through 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 US 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.

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," says Dr. Marcus Wallace, chief medical officer of Blue Cross NC.

Food as medicine as a concept dates back centuries, yet it could not be more relevant than it is today. By reimagining the role of food in health care, we’re working toward a future where every North Carolinian has the opportunity to live a healthier, fuller life, starting with what’s on their plate.