Organizations from across the sectors are finding new and creative ways to support the health of their employees. Two nonprofits in particular have placed an emphasis on healthy eating, specifically by improving access to and affordability of healthy food for their employees.
Kennebec Behavioral Health (KBH)
KBH hopes to help staff find and move towards wellness. KBH always endeavors to provide a positive and supportive work environment as well as robust health plans and financial resources. However, it became evident over the years that more could be done!
Two years ago, the organization decided to add extra wellness benefits for staff and their dependents who were covered under agency medical plans. These benefits made up what became known as the Holistic Reimbursement Program. Previously, KBH had offered gym and massage therapy reimbursement but over time, reimbursements expanded to include aroma therapy, sound therapy, and light therapy. Recently, with the increasing cost of healthy food, KBH decided to go one step further.
In 2022, KBH began to offer up to $500 in reimbursement to staff (and another $500 for dependents) for healthy eating habits. How did this work? Employees have their physicians complete a holistic benefit form that indicates healthy foods recommended for a healthier lifestyle. Staff can then purchase fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low sodium food and lean protein and get reimbursed by KBH’s Wellness Program. The program has been a success and truly highlighted how KBH can support its staff in living a healthier lifestyle.
Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP)
KVCAP is delighted to partner with Daybreak Grower’s Alliance to provide the staff of KVCAP with access to fresh fruits, vegetables, and eggs for approximately 25 weeks each year.
This incredible partnership is made possible by including a $1,000 “Holistic Health” benefit as part of KVCAP’s self-funded health insurance plan. This benefit allows staff who have KVCAP health insurance to be reimbursed for several uncovered services, such as aromatherapy, light therapy, vitamins, or healthy food selection.
In order to facilitate the process and to support local farms in our service area, KVCAP partnered with Daybreak Grower’s Alliance, a women-owned, farmer-driven, Maine distribution business that brings together a group of small farms and independently owned food producers who otherwise could not sell to the general public on their own.
Every week, during the CSA-season, Daybreak Grower’s Alliance delivers boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to the main building in Waterville. Best of all, human resources handles the payment, allowing staff to receive this benefit without having to request reimbursement from insurance! In 2023, KVCAP and Daybreak delivered over $52K worth of fruits and veggies to KVCAP staff, and supported local farmers, all funded through an insurance benefit! In 2024, the program will expand to a full 28 weeks and will include options for whole-milk yogurt and locally made sourdough bread.
