Addressing food insecurity and improving health literacy in Washington, D.C.

For 37% of residents in the District of Columbia (D.C.) metro area, food insecurity is a barrier to positive health outcomes.¹ Lack of access to fresh, nutritious foods contributes to the progression of diet-sensitive chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, increasing the risk of costly complications, emergency department visits and hospitalizations.² Nationally, food insecurity is linked to an estimated $53B in additional health care costs each year, particularly among people with multiple chronic conditions.³ Addressing this challenge requires more than simply providing food; it requires ensuring people have the knowledge, skills and confidence to use it effectively.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of District of Columbia is tackling both sides of the equation. With targeted, community-based investments, the health plan is working to improve both food access and food literacy among dual special needs plan (DSNP) members, many of whom live in neighborhoods with limited access to healthy options. UnitedHealthcare’s collaboration with two organizations, FreshFarm’s produce service and Food Jonezi’s nutrition education programs, is creating a pathway to better health, one bag of produce and one recipe at a time.

Expanding access to fresh, local produce

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of DC’s Social Harvest markets bring fresh fruits and vegetables directly to neighborhoods where nutritious options are often hard to find. Over the course of five community farmers markets, approximately 150 participants at each event will receive produce to take home, with each market funded to cover food and distribution costs. By hosting these events in high-need areas, UnitedHealthcare aims to help DSNP members improve diet quality, better manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension and reduce avoidable health care utilization. This is a preventive approach, promoting healthy eating habits before serious complications occur. UnitedHealthcare’s community-based model also fosters connection, resilience and local engagement. Members not only gain access to nutritious food, they experience a sense of belonging and support within their community.

Food Jonezi: Bridging the gaps between nutrition, food and healthier lifestyle choices

While access to healthy food is critical, knowing how to prepare and use it effectively can be just as important. That’s where Food Jonezi comes in. A local, Certified Business Enterprise (CBE)-certified nutrition consulting firm, Food Jonezi specializes in medical nutrition therapy, culturally relevant cooking classes and nutrition education. Led by registered dietitians, licensed nutritionists and chef educators, Food Jonezi’s programming works with members in familiar community spaces and provides practical tools to make lasting changes. Offerings include:

• Healthy cooking sessions with ready-to-eat meals and take-home recipe cards
• Pop-up demonstrations featuring small-bite samples and nutrition handouts
• Education on food-drug interactions to improve medication adherence and disease management

By combining hands-on learning with culturally relevant guidance, Food Jonezi helps members build lifelong skills that promote sustainable behavior change and healthier choices.

Creating lasting community impact

UnitedHealthcare’s collaboration with FreshFarm and Food Jonezi represents a holistic, preventive approach to health care. By pairing access to nutritious foods with the skills to prepare them, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of District of Columbia is addressing two root causes of poor health: food insecurity and low health literacy. These efforts go beyond short-term fixes. They aim to help members manage chronic conditions, reduce avoidable hospital visits and build long-term wellness habits that extend far beyond the program itself.

This work also demonstrates the value of managed care, investing in proactive, community-based solutions that improve health outcomes and lower costs. For DSNP members in Washington, D.C., it means more than just fresh produce and recipes; it’s about empowerment, prevention and the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about how we aim to improve the holistic needs of residents through our work with the Foundation for Social Connection and development of social isolation and loneliness resources.

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