Home State Health and Show Me Healthy Kids partnered with MU Extension to launch a two-year nutrition education program designed to make healthy eating more accessible for members and families. The program offers a series of six interactive cooking and nutrition classes, available both online and in person, with a focus on practical menu planning using WIC-approved foods. This partnership helps expand access to nutrition education and supports pregnant members and families by addressing gaps that contribute to food insecurity and health disparities.

Home State Health partners with Feeding Missouri to help combat childhood hunger across Missouri through the Hunger for Learning initiative. This partnership supports weekend food programs—such as backpack programs and school‑based pantries—that provide consistent access to nutritious food for students and their families when school meals are unavailable.

Through Feeding Missouri’s statewide network of six regional food banks, the initiative reaches rural and underserved communities across the state, helping reduce food insecurity while supporting children’s health, well‑being, and readiness to learn. By strengthening local food access and coordinating with schools and community partners, this collaboration addresses a critical social determinant of health that impacts both academic success and long‑term health outcomes.

Home State Health partners with Hy‑Vee to bring Green To Go produce distribution events to local community partners, helping increase access to fresh, nutritious food across Missouri. Through this partnership, Home State Health sponsors 5,000 pieces of fresh produce, which Hy‑Vee delivers for distribution at community‑based events at no cost to individuals and families or our partners.

Green To Go events are designed to reduce barriers to healthy eating while also connecting community members to nutrition education and local health resources. By bringing fresh food directly into neighborhoods and pairing distribution with community outreach, this partnership supports healthier food access and advances Home State Health’s commitment to addressing food insecurity as a key social determinant of health.

Home State Health has partnered with Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) to support the development of Providence Landing, an affordable housing community in Columbia. This community grant is helping fund land preparation and construction for single‑family attached housing units designed to increase access to safe, stable, and affordable homes.

Providence Landing is being developed across seven vacant lots located between Providence Road and North 4th Street and is projected to include 14 single‑family living units in a mix of one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom configurations. The community is intentionally located within walking distance of grocery stores, medical facilities, public transportation, employment opportunities, and parks, helping reduce barriers that contribute to housing instability.

In addition to construction, CMCA provides ongoing supportive services for homebuyers—including employment support, housing stability services, and financial education—to promote long‑term economic and housing stability. By investing in affordable housing and wraparound supports, this collaboration advances Home State Health’s commitment to addressing housing as a critical social determinant of health.