Newsroom | Community Health

Nutritious food is essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. But many native communities in rural New Mexico face challenges in accessing fresh and healthy food options. Starting in August, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is helping to address this by providing 800 food boxes to expectant mothers and people with diabetes and high blood pressure, who are also members of the Navajo Nation and Acoma, Laguna or Zuni Pueblos. 

BCBSNM’s Tribal Health Initiative is in collaboration with The Community Pantry food distribution center in McKinley and Cibola counties.

Food insecurity in native communities

Native communities experience some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the United States with 1 in 4 households reporting chronic food scarcity. Of New Mexico's 33 counties, McKinley and Cibola counties rank among the top five with the highest rates of food insecurity — approximately 20% of residents lack consistent access to nutritionally adequate food.

Native communities also experience higher rates of chronic conditions that can lead to health complications. Inconsistent access to nutritious food makes it more challenging to prevent or manage these conditions.

“Supporting our community members experiencing food insecurity is one of our key priorities,” says BCBSNM Tribal Liaison Winona Gishal. “When individuals have access to nutritious food, they are better able to establish dietary patterns that lead to improved health outcomes.”

Food boxes tailored to unique health needs 

For over a decade, BCBSNM and The Community Pantry have worked together to help improve the health and well-being of older adults, children and families in Northwest New Mexico. In this latest collaboration, BCBSNM health educators are working with the pantry to identify nutrient-rich, culturally appropriate ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, as well as low-sodium and low-sugar options and high-fiber foods.

BCBSNM tribal liaisons will help distribute the boxes and connect members to health education and resources at The Community Pantry's Gallup and Grants locations. Recipients will receive information about The Community Pantry’s Free Produce program. 

“We’re happy to collaborate with BCBSNM to increase the nutrition security of our Native American community members while building awareness of our Free Produce program,” says Hilda Kendall, chief operations officer of The Community Pantry. “When people have consistent access to nutritionally dense food, they also have the opportunity to heal and improve their overall health and well-being.”