In a pioneering effort to tackle food insecurity, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and Walmart announced a collaboration aimed at enhancing access to nutritious food throughout Arkansas. Initiated on March 17, this partnership will see participants in select UAMS research projects receive Walmart Wellness Benefit cards, specifically designated for purchasing healthy foods and baby care items at Walmart stores.
The program will roll out statewide with the quantity and value of the cards determined per project. Among the involved initiatives are the CenteringPregnancy and Delivering HOPE programs, which will provide nutritional counselling, case management, and grocery deliveries to benefit those in need.
Dr Pearl McElfish, director of the Institute for Community Health Innovation, expressed optimism about the partnership. “Working with Walmart is a giant step forward toward improving nutrition and reducing barriers to health for Arkansans across the state,” she remarked, emphasising the potential long-term benefits of the knowledge gained through various research projects.
With each participant’s consent, UAMS and Walmart will employ Walmart’s Everyday Health Signals program to collect nutrition-focused insights, further measuring the initiative’s efficacy. This collaboration is viewed as a pivotal move in the shared mission to alleviate food insecurity and foster healthier communities.
In addition, researchers are exploring the positive impacts of accessible healthy food delivery and education on diabetes management and gestational weight gain, exemplified by a recent initiative delivering over 2,000 food-as-medicine packages to participants.
UAMS and Walmart have partnered to enhance food access in Arkansas by providing Walmart Wellness Benefit cards to participants in select research projects. The initiative includes nutritional counselling and grocery delivery services. Insights gained from the collaboration are expected to inform future strategies to combat food insecurity. The program reflects a commitment to improving health and nutrition for Arkansans.
The collaboration between UAMS and Walmart represents a significant stride in addressing food insecurity in Arkansas. By utilising Walmart Wellness Benefit cards and conducting research, the partnership not only aims to improve nutrition for participants but also endeavours to gather valuable insights to inform future strategies. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in fostering healthier communities and combating nutrition-related challenges.
Original Source: talkbusiness.net
