Howard County receives $225k grant for diabetes, food insecurity

The Howard County Health Department has received a $225,000 grant from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. This funding will help address diabetes and food insecurity in the area. The grant is part of CareFirst’s Place-Based Grants Initiative, which provided a total of $7.1 million to 31 groups in D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The aim is to improve access to healthy and affordable food to help tackle chronic health issues related to diet. CareFirst noted a high prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes among its members, often linked to other health issues like hypertension. They aim to address the root causes of these conditions through food access initiatives. Howard County previously received a $50,000 grant in 2022 to establish a food council to combat food insecurity. This new funding will support the ongoing development of the council, which aims to target vulnerable areas within the county. According to a 2021 health survey, one in six residents in Howard County faces food insecurity. Many are struggling to afford basic needs, including food and rent. The timing of this grant is critical, as state and federal funding cuts are affecting many families. Officials emphasize the importance of providing access to healthy food to improve overall health and financial stability for residents. CareFirst is working closely with communities to understand the impact of these funding cuts, especially in communities of color. They believe that improving access to healthy food can help alleviate some financial pressures for families.