Food Is Medicine Programs: How Centene Helps Members Improve Health

Food Is Medicine (FIM) programs are transforming how healthcare addresses chronic conditions by integrating nutrition support — including medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, and produce prescriptions — directly into clinical care. At Centene, these programs are designed to meet members where they are, connecting them with culturally relevant, locally sourced food and the guidance needed to make nutrition a lasting part of their health management. With more than 75% of American adults living with at least one chronic condition, access to nutritious food is no longer a lifestyle consideration — it’s a clinical one. Early results are promising, with FIM programs linked to fewer hospitalizations, lower healthcare costs, and improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight. But the full picture of what these programs are achieving — and what they could mean for the future of whole-person care — is only beginning to emerge…