Eating well is a cornerstone of staying healthy—but what happens when your doctor recommends a low-fat, heart-healthy diet, and the corner store within walking distance only sells whole milk and processed snacks?

That was the reality for Susan*, a CCA member. To follow her provider’s advice, she would have needed to book transportation several days in advance or navigate multiple bus routes across town just to reach a grocery store with healthier options.

Susan’s story is not uncommon. In Massachusetts, one in three adults experience food insecurity – defined as lacking reliable access to enough food or worrying about where their next meal will come from. While food insecurity affects people across the country, it disproportionately impacts communities of color, low-income households, individuals with disabilities, and older adults.

For many CCA members, food insecurity is not just a matter of having enough food but also having the right kinds of food to support their overall health. A poor-quality diet that stems from food insecurity can contribute to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Studies also show that food insecurity is linked to significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression among low-income families.

At CCA, our interdisciplinary care teams work closely with members to help bridge the gap between clinical guidance and food accessibility. Because our teams are embedded in the communities we serve, they can help members navigate food benefits, access meal delivery services they qualify for, and locate food pantries that offer healthier options. In some cases, care teams have connected members with medically tailored meal programs designed to meet specific health needs. For Susan, CCA’s support has given her the resources to live well – she was able to access home-delivered groceries that aligned with her doctor’s recommendations, eliminating the barrier of transportation

CCA also believes that meaningful progress on food insecurity requires strong partnerships beyond the clinical setting. That’s why we actively collaborate with food banks in the region, participate in local food coalitions, and support community-based organizations working to expand access to nutritious food in historically underserved neighborhoods.

One of our partnerships in Massachusetts is with the Lynn Community Health Center’s Mobile Market, a monthly food distribution initiative supported by the Greater Boston Food Bank. As part of this effort, CCA provides insulated food bags that volunteers fill with healthy groceries. Initiatives like the Mobile Market are especially critical in “food deserts,” areas where residents lack consistent access to reliable grocery stores.

“By taking a holistic approach to healthcare, we recognize that food security, housing, social supports, and medical care are all deeply interconnected,” said Jorie Epstein-Mares, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Senior Director of Community Health Services at CCA. “Supporting access to nutritious and culturally relevant food is a critical part of ensuring long-term health, giving people the resources they need to live with stability and dignity.”

*Name changed to protect member identity.