Initiative to Increase Access to Fresh Produce
in Central and Southern
Illinois
CHICAGO, May 14, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (Meridian),
announced today their ongoing health equity efforts to partner
with farmers markets in communities with high food insecurity
across central and southern Illinois throughout 2025. Meridian is a
provider of government-sponsored managed care services to families,
children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs and
a Centene company (NYSE: CNC).
Through this initiative, Meridian will help increase access to
fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables by offering vouchers
individuals can use to purchase healthy food at the farmers markets
along with health education materials. Meridian members who present
their member ID card will receive $15
in vouchers for use during market visits throughout the 2025
season. Non-Meridian members visiting the Meridian booth will
receive $10 in vouchers to encourage
healthy eating, while voucher supplies last.
In addition, the participating farmers markets will double the
value of SNAP/Link (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
purchases under the Link Match program, which means $25 in SNAP benefits would become $50 in fresh fruits and vegetables for
recipients.
The farmers markets participating in this program include:
- May 17, 2025 – Farmers Market of
Carbondale
- June 17, 2025 – The Land
Connection Champaign Farmers Market
- June 24, 2025 – Food Works Mobile
Market – Murphysboro
- June 25, 2025 – Food Works Mobile
Market – Marion
- June 26, 2025 – Food Works Mobile
Market – Anna-Jonesboro
- July 31, 2025 – East St. Louis
F.R.E.S.H. Farmers Market
- August 16, 2025 – Farmers Market
of Carbondale
- August 28, 2025 – East St. Louis
F.R.E.S.H. Farmers Market
- September 3, 2025 – Food Works
Mobile Market – Marion
- September 18, 2025 – Food Works
Mobile Market – Anna-Jonesboro
- September 23, 2025 – Food Works
Mobile Market – Murphysboro
Fighting Hunger, Fostering Health: Meridian at the Market
Program
This program builds on the success of Meridian's
previous involvement with the Farmers Market of Carbondale. In 2024, Meridian's presence at
the Carbondale market in September
and December resulted in 321 attendees receiving 540 vouchers,
totaling more than $3,750 in vouchers
for fresh produce. This initiative also supported SNAP recipients
and introduced new participants to the benefits of using their SNAP
benefits at the farmers market.
"Meridian is deeply committed to the health and well-being of
our members and the communities we serve, and that starts with how
we fuel our bodies," said Rutu
Ezhuthachan, MD, Meridian Chief Medical Officer. "At
Meridian we believe food is medicine. Providing our members with
access to farmers markets with fresh fruits and vegetables will
help our members to be healthy and happy. We recognize that access
to nutritious food is a fundamental component of good health, and
we are proud to partner with these local farmers markets to make
fresh, affordable produce more accessible in areas where it is
needed most."
Each participating farmers market will offer a unique experience
for attendees and will support local farmers. Details on specific
activities, such as recipe cards at the Mobile Market, food samples
in Carbondale, and a health fair
in East St. Louis, will be shared
as they become available.
Meridian will conduct outreach to encourage its members and
share details via its social channels and events page for the
community to take advantage of this opportunity to access healthy
food options.
For additional dates and locations including those to be
announced soon visit ILmeridian.com/events.
About Meridian Health Plan of Illinois
Meridian Health Plan of
Illinois, Inc. and its family
health plans provide government-sponsored managed care services to
families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical
needs. This includes Meridian's Medicaid and Medicare-Medicaid
plans, and YouthCare HealthChoice Illinois. YouthCare is a
specialized program designed to address the healthcare needs of
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) youth in
out-of-home placement and former foster youth. Meridian connects
members to care and offers comprehensive services to support
lifelong health and wellness. Meridian is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise
committed to helping people live healthier lives. Learn more at
ILmeridian.com.
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SOURCE Meridian of Illinois
