BATON ROUGE — Louisiana Healthcare Connections announced the launch of its Community Health Grants initiative today.
Three awards of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to eligible non-profit organizations or schools who are addressing the issues of hunger and food access in Louisiana. Applications are due no later than July 20, 2018. Grant awards will be announced August 1, 2018.
“One of the harsh realities of food insecurity is its negative impact on health and health outcomes for families across our state,” said Chelsea Graves, Community Relations Principal at Louisiana Healthcare Connections. “This grant program represents an opportunity for us to work together with community-level organizations to improve access to nutritious foods for Louisiana families, and in turn, to help families build healthier lives.”
According to the Louisiana Food Bank Association, hunger affects every parish and community in Louisiana. One in four Louisiana children live in households that are food insecure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity often requires a household to choose between basic necessities, such as medical needs or housing, and purchasing healthy foods.
“Our objective is to improve the health and well-being of not only our members, but also the communities in which they live and work,” said Jamie Schlottman, Plan President & CEO. “We recognize the effect that social determinants like food insecurity have on health, and we want to partner with community organizations that share our commitment to addressing these issues.”
Additional information about this initiative as well as the Community Health Grants RFP are available on the organization’s website, www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com/grants. Questions concerning the grant application, application process, or reporting requirements may be directed to [email protected].
Since 2012, Louisiana Healthcare Connections has been dedicated to transforming health in Louisiana with a priority focus on healthy communities. The Community Health Grants Program is an effort to financially assist programs that target food support, food security, and food sustainability in local communities. Support will be targeted to programs that contribute to strengthening individuals, families, and communities by providing food resources coupled with nutrition, health, and wellness education.