Food Equality Initiative receives ‘Heart of the Community’ Award from CareSource

(KANSAS, Sept. 28, 2023) – Food Equality Initiative is honored to receive a 2023 Heart of the Community award from CareSource, a nationally recognized managed care organization. The Heart of the Community award is given to organizations who strive to always be one step ahead in providing access to service for the community. The award included a $15,000 gift to help the Food Equality Initiative to advance its mission. 

“Receiving the CareSource Heart of the Community award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to transform the body and soul of our community through the power of food,” said Food Equality Initiative CEO Erin Martinez. “We believe that access to nourishing food is a fundamental human right, and this award reaffirms the impact of our work in making food as medicine a reality. We are honored to be recognized, but our greatest reward is the positive change we bring to the lives we touch.” 

Food Equality Initiative used the $15,000 in funding provided by CareSource to advance Kansas initiatives. This funding was used to overhaul the organization’s website including improved backend functionality, enhanced data collection, and provides a better user experience. Funding was also used to provide medically necessary deliveries of food to Kansans who qualify for FEI’s Food is Medicine Access Program (FIMAP) services. 

“During hunger action month it is important for us as a community to think of those that are food insecure. Most importantly what can be done to help our neighbors,” said CareSource Director of Business Development Dustin Hardison. “We share the mission of increasing one’s health with partners like FEI.” 

CareSource Kansas was formed to offer programs and products in the state of Kansas and opened an office in Topeka in 2021. Recently, CareSource announced the formation of the CareSource HealthAlliance with a vision of bringing a unique member-centric model to Medicaid members enrolled in KanCare.  For more, visit HealthierKansas.com. 

Food Equality Initiative (FEI) has been committed to ending hunger in the food allergy and celiac disease community since 2014. In late 2021, FEI broadened their service to include all diet-treated illnesses and conditions, fully embracing the food is medicine movement. In 2023, FEI offered qualified clients direct service in three counties—Johnson and Wyandotte in KS and Jackson in MO. For more, visit www.foodequalityinitiative.org.