Molina Healthcare of Illinois and Foodsmart Celebrate National Nutrition Month with Joint Effort to Improve Nutrition Among New Mothers

Molina Healthcare of Illinois is continuing its partnership with Foodsmart, a national tele-nutrition and food    care provider, to make nutrition a core part of maternal health care for Molina members. Through this collaboration, eligible, expectant Molina mothers can access Foodsmart’s maternal health program, including support from registered dietitians  and medically tailored meals that improve long-term health.

Since its launch in April 2025, Foodsmart’s program has engaged more than 850 Molina members in Illinois, delivering over 26,000 healthy meals and connecting program participants to registered dietitians. This has led to a 52% reduction in food insecurity and a 20% decrease in hypertension among Molina members, underscoring the role proper nutrition plays in supporting overall health.

“At Foodsmart, our personalized approach to nutrition helps mothers access the food they need during pregnancy while building nutrition independence and honoring cultural food preferences,” said Jennifer McGuire, chief customer experience officer at Foodsmart. “Our collaboration with Molina has effectively connected pregnant mothers to registered dietitians within two weeks of enrollment in the program, supporting healthier pregnancies and new beginnings for families in Illinois.”

Proper nutrition during pregnancy is critical for fetal development and healthy birth outcomes. In Illinois, where the pre-term birth rate is higher than the national average, offering comprehensive support for new mothers is especially important.

“Building healthier communities begins with investing in the holistic health of our mothers and babies who are the future of Illinois,” said Kris Classen, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “This collaboration aligns with Molina’s ongoing commitment to advancing maternal health outcomes by addressing the key factors that shape them.”