More than 37.3 million people, or 11.3% of the population, are living with diabetes, making it an epidemic in the United States. In Nevada alone, 11.5% of the population is diagnosed with diabetes.
Recognizing this pressing health concern, Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), a UnitedHealthcare company, worked with Mom’s Meals® to provide fully prepared, diabetes friendly, home-delivered meals to diabetic Medicaid members, as part of a 12-week pilot program.
Good nutrition and improved access to diabetic friendly options can help reduce A1c levels (a measure of average blood glucose levels over the last three months) and therefore, help control diabetes.
Targeting type 2 diabetes, HPN was able to support 125 eligible Medicaid members who participated in the pilot program. The program included:
The results exceeded expectations.
“On average, (HPN) Medicaid members who participated in the pilot program with Mom’s Meals saw a decrease in their A1c of 1.9 points,” said Kelly Simonson, CEO of HPN Medicaid.
Subsequently, the program also saw the following results:
Following the success of the pilot phase, HPN and Mom’s Meals expanded its program to include adult Medicaid members affected by type 1 diabetes.
Isabella Brawer has dealt with the effects of type 2 diabetes ever since she can remember. Isabella is HPN member and participated this pilot program in 2022. This program helped ease her stress of living with diabetes while also improving her overall health by having access to healthy food options and consistent hands-on communication with her HPN-certified diabetes educator, Teresa Shepard.
“The best part of this program is the education I received over the course of 12 weeks,” Isabella said. “With my case manager’s guidance, the variety of food and exercise options, I noticed an improvement in my day-to-day life – I wasn’t tired at work and my health was in a better place overall. This program improved my life in more ways than one.”
Isabella said she enjoyed the variety of meals the program provided, never growing bored or feeling stagnant of the options. She also noticed an increase in energy throughout her workday. Without the burden of having to plan, shop and create healthy meals, Isabella was able to focus on her diabetes self-management skills.
She plans to implement the healthy habits she learned through this program into her daily routine.
Seeing the positive effect of the program on Isabella’s life, Teresa said she is thrilled with the expansion of the program to include type 1 diabetes members.
“The success of the program is so vital for the overall health of our members because diabetes affects so many different aspects of life,” Teresa said. “The ultimate goal of the program is to ensure the member has the right tools to achieve a healthy lifestyle, which in turn improves other aspects of disease management like medical costs, program engagement and A1c levels.”
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.