AUSTIN (KXAN) — Feed Texas and the Texas Association of Community Health Plans celebrated the start of Healthy Texas Week on Monday, kicking off a new pilot program aimed at improving health outcomes through nutrition.
Texas Health Week, which runs from May 4 to 11, is a statewide awareness campaign designated by the Texas Legislature to promote health, disease prevention, and access to health resources. Events being held throughout Texas include free health screenings, vaccination clinics, fitness activities, nutrition education programs and mental health awareness efforts.
“Healthy Texas Week reminds us that good health starts with good nutrition, and Feeding Texas’ food bank network is committed to making that a reality for all Texans,” said Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas. “The Medically Tailored Meals Pilot approved by the Legislature last year is an exciting step toward ensuring Texans with chronic diseases get the nutrition they need to achieve better health while lowering health care costs.”
The new program will provide medically designed meals to eligible Medicaid managed care members with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Meals will be designed by registered dietitians to meet specific nutritional needs, addressing both medical care and food insecurity.
The pilot was approved under House Bill 26 during the 89th Texas Legislature. Under the law, Texas Medicaid managed care organizations are expected to begin delivering meals to eligible members starting this month.
More information can be found about Healthy Texas Week and local events here.