Trillium Donation Continues Double Up Food Bucks Program
Date: 10/10/16
OCTOBER 10, 2016 (Eugene, Ore.) – In recognition of its value to Oregon Health Plan members in Lane County, Trillium Community Health Plan is providing a $35,000 grant to the local Double Up Food Bucks program to ensure it continues through the end of the Market season. The program doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars for benefit participants who choose to purchase produce at participating Double Up farmers markets.
“One of the biggest obstacles to healthy eating is affordability and access to nutrient-dense food,” says Patrick Luedtke, MD, Chief Public Health Officer for Lane County. “Healthy eating is one step toward achieving better overall health and preventing obesity.”
Prevention is a key focus area for Trillium as a Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) serving Oregon Health Plan members. From early in its development, Trillium CCO involved Lane County Health and Human Services and Lane County Public Health officials in its efforts. Since 2012 Trillium has set aside $1.33 per Oregon Health Plan member per month to fund programs that prevent chronic disease and help Trillium members live healthier lives. Trillium has contributed more than $4 million to prevention programs in Lane County targeting tobacco, obesity and mental health.
“This contribution came at a critical time,” says Karen Dunne, Willamette Farm and Food Coalition Food Equity Program Director. “The success of the Double Up program so exceeded our expectations that funding was in danger of drying up early. We’re proud of what the program provides for the community and thrilled Trillium is helping it continue.”
Double Up Food Bucks is a nutrition incentive program that encourages SNAP participants to purchase fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and farm stands. SNAP incentive programs like Double Up are gaining traction nationally and are shown to increase the consumption of fresh produce and bolster local farm economies. With Double Up, SNAP participants receive $2 in “food bucks” for every $2 of SNAP benefits that they redeem at participating farmers markets and farm stands, up to $10 each market day.
About Trillium Community Health Plan
Trillium Community Health Plan currently serves approximately 99,000 Oregon Health Plan members through the CCO model, which began in 2012. Trillium is a recognized leader for outstanding coordination of care. It was first awarded a contract with the state of Oregon to help manage care for the Oregon Health Plan in 1999. Trillium partners with an extensive group of providers to improve care and access to services in Lane and Western Douglas County.