Medica Invests $1 Million in Minnesota Food Programs

A new partnership aims to improve access to locally sourced, healthy food for hundreds of households across Minnesota.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Healthy Food

Screen-print poster illustration of a wooden crate filled with colorful fresh vegetables, evoking the spirit of local Minnesota farm-to-table initiatives. — Medica’s $1 million investment in Minnesota food programs aims to provide fresh produce to 700 households weekly to improve public health. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Medica has announced a $1 million investment in Fairview Health Services and The Good Acre to expand Food is Medicine programs. This initiative provides fresh, locally grown food to approximately 700 households each week.

Why it matters

Food insecurity can significantly impact health outcomes before medical intervention is required. This funding seeks to bridge the gap between nutritional access and health by connecting patients directly with local farm produce.

The program currently serves 700 households weekly, distributing over 37,000 pounds of produce grown by a network of 120 regional farmers. Statewide, 22% of Minnesota households reported being unable to afford necessary food in 2025.

The players

Medica

This health insurance company operates in Minnesota and is funding the new initiative to address food insecurity.

Fairview Health Services

This is a major healthcare system in Minnesota that collaborates with community partners to manage patient wellness and food programs.

The Good Acre

Based in Falcon Heights, this nonprofit organization connects regional farmers with local food systems and markets.

The details

The program connects patients with fresh ingredients provided through a network of regional farmers and producers. Participants receive food boxes designed to support better health outcomes, building on previous clinical evidence that showed improvements in A1C levels and blood pressure.

In 2024, researchers conducted a fresh food prescription program study.
During 2025, Minnesota food shelves recorded more than 9 million visits.
On October 26, 2026, Medica announced the $1 million investment.

Culture Shift

This initiative represents a strategic shift toward preventative nutrition as a standard component of clinical health management. It aligns with the findings of the 2025 Minnesota statewide hunger survey, which identified that 22% of households faced challenges accessing affordable food.

Participants enrolled in these programs can expect regular access to fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers, potentially improving their long-term health metrics like blood pressure and A1C levels. The initiative aims to stabilize food security for hundreds of households each week.

The takeaway

Integrating fresh, locally sourced food into healthcare plans can yield measurable improvements in chronic health conditions. Residents can look for local community programs that partner with regional farmers to improve access to nutrient-dense ingredients.