Humana Member Story

Healthy Meals Make A Meaningful Difference

History: MS, a 74 y/o female, discussed nutrition concerns with her Care Coach, noting she is mindful of portion sizes. Her primary care provider recently advised that her blood sugar was slightly elevated and recommended reducing sugar intake. Additional medical issues include cardiac concerns, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Barriers: MS uses food pantries but finds many items are high in sugar and not the healthiest choices. She is interested in healthier meal programs and agreed to a referral to the CM-MSW team to identify additional food resources and congregate meal sites.

Interventions: LCSW Anne assessed MS’s nutrition needs and connected her with healthy local food resources. Although MS receives SNAP benefits, they are insufficient for the entire month. She accesses one local food pantry with a friend’s help due to transportation challenges but has a bus pass and welcomed information about other pantries. Anne also provided details about congregate meal sites through the Community Nutrition Network, which MS planned to reach using senior transportation. At follow-up, MS had yet to contact congregate meal sites but received a pantry list and intended to explore further. She later found a new pantry offering frozen meat, though transportation remained a barrier. LCSW Anne introduced the Age Options/Top Box Meal Kit Program, delivering weekly nutritious meals and recipes to seniors. MS was interested but concerned about delivery coordination due to a variable schedule. Anne worked with her and the provider to develop a communication plan ensuring successful deliveries. They discussed how this program could lessen MS’s dependence on inconsistent pantry items by providing consistent, home-delivered meals.

Outcome: MS was approved for the Meal Kit Program and arranged her first delivery. After receiving two meal kits, she expressed satisfaction with the quality and variety, including ground beef, turkey, frozen fish, fruit cups in natural juice, plain oatmeal, milk, and eggs. She noted these lower-sugar options help her manage blood sugar more effectively and that weekly deliveries eliminate her previous need to stockpile food. Delivery arrangements allow kits to be left at her door during appointments, alleviating delivery concerns. MS appreciates the referral and hopes the program will continue supporting her food security and health goals