Beyond benefits: HRSN nutrition benefit supports food access for members across Oregon

For CareOregon member Jordan*, being able to afford enough nutritious food is something he thinks about every day.

As a full-time college student with a part-time job, Jordan doesn't always have reliable access to nutritious food. He sometimes skips breakfast so the food in his fridge lasts longer. Some weeks, ramen is the most affordable option. Other times, he's trying to stretch the last few dollars in his bank account until his next paycheck.

"Toward the end of the week, my paycheck is almost gone and there isn't much I can do about it until the next one," Jordan said. "I spend a lot of energy doing the math in my head. What can I skip? What food can I make last? What can I afford right now? And what’s cheapest in the store isn’t always what’s best for your health. I make do, but it’s exhausting."

I spend a lot of energy doing the math in my head. What can I skip? What food can I make last? What can I afford right now?

Jordan

Food insecurity is a challenge many Oregonians face, including people like Jordan. Across Oregon, thousands of people face barriers to getting enough nutritious food. According to the Oregon Food Bank, 1 in 7 Oregon residents — including 1 in 6 children — experience food insecurity. For many CareOregon members, those challenges can make it harder to manage their health, focus on school or work and get through the week.

“Far too many Oregonians are making impossible choices between paying for groceries, housing, transportation and other basic needs,” said Alison Arella, Vice President of Social Health at CareOregon. “We see every day how rising food costs and limited access to healthy options can create real challenges for members and their families. Food insecurity remains one of the most common social needs affecting health across our communities.” 

When food is hard to afford, health is harder to manage

Food plays a critical role in overall health.

"I can feel what happens in my body when I skip meals to save money," Jordan said. "I don't have the same energy. Things take more effort. I feel sluggish. I can’t focus. I'm only ever just trying to get through the day. I think that's the reality for a lot of people right now.”

Studies consistently show that food insecurity is linked to higher rates of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and poor mental health. Eating well isn't always easy when cost, health conditions or limited access to food create barriers.

Through Oregon's Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) nutrition benefit, CareOregon works alongside the Oregon Health Authority, Health Share of Oregon and local community-based organizations to help eligible members connect with food supports that fit their lives — from grocery cards and produce boxes to medically tailored meals for specific health needs.

For members facing challenges like Jordan's, the nutrition benefit can help make healthy food more reachable. Depending on their needs and eligibility, members may receive fresh fruits and vegetables, pantry staples such as rice, pasta and canned foods, medically tailored meals designed for specific health conditions, or nutrition education to support everyday food choices. Some members may receive grocery boxes at home, while others may receive a preloaded card they can use at participating stores or farmers markets.

For members facing challenges like Jordan's, the nutrition benefit can help make healthy food more reachable.

Why nutrition support matters

Access to nutritious food can support health in practical, everyday ways. It can help people manage chronic conditions, maintain energy, keep up with school or work and feel less pressure when money is tight.

Research into medically tailored meals has found that participants experienced fewer hospitalizations and emergency department visits after receiving nutrition support.

For Jordan, the support available through CareOregon, school, church and community resources have made a meaningful difference.

“I'm grateful there are resources to support me when the going gets tough like this. It’s comforting to know I can apply to this benefit and get what I need to get through the quarter. The relief of knowing I’ll be ok...I feel like I can breathe."

Programs that support nutrition are part of CareOregon's broader commitment to addressing the factors that affect health beyond traditional medical care. While food insecurity may not always be visible, its effects can be felt every day.

“When members have reliable access to nutritious food, the benefits can reach every part of their lives,” Arella said. “Something as basic as having enough nutritious food can make all the difference in someone’s health.”

Beyond Benefits series

Beyond Benefits is a CareOregon series that highlights the supports we offer beyond standard health coverage. From transportation and nutrition assistance to language access, care coordination and community-based supports, these programs are designed to address the day-to-day challenges that impact health.

*Not his real name