BATON ROUGE, La. — Aetna Better Health of Louisiana, a CVS Health company, announced that it provided $50,000 to The Walls Project to target food insecurity in underserved areas of the community. The funding will support Baton Roots, a program that creates an opportunity for Baton Rouge communities to learn best practices in sustainable agriculture on an urban farm.

Since 2019, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana has invested more than $775,000 across the state as part of our continuing effort to support community-based programs and organizations that focus on addressing the social care needs of Medicaid members and their communities. Additionally, in 2021, CVS Health committed more than $27 million to build 435 affordable housing units for families and seniors in Louisiana, including recently announced investments in New Orleans and Opelousas.

“Confronting food insecurity is vital for enabling individuals and families in underserved communities to achieve better health,” said Richard Born, CEO, Aetna Better Health of Louisiana. “Our collaboration with The Walls Project will help Baton Rouge communities learn best practices in sustainable agriculture on an urban farm and distribute food to those in need.”

The grant will go toward The Walls Project’s Baton Roots program, enabling Baton Rouge residents young and old to grow, learn about and eat healthy produce at no cost. The tiered offerings allow communities to choose the services needed to ensure the success and longevity of their garden.

“We appreciate the support Aetna Better Health of Louisiana is providing to communities in Baton Rouge,” said Casey Phillips, Executive Director of The Walls Project. “The funding will help address food insecurity in Baton Rouge and break through the walls of poverty.”

Aetna Better Health has been providing quality care to Medicaid enrollees in Louisiana for more than six years. The health plan serves over 150,000 enrollees across the state through the Louisiana Medicaid Managed Care Program.