Farm at Penny Lane food shuttle: Addressing food insecurity in North Carolina
Food insecurity remains a challenge across the U.S., with North Carolina currently ranking as 26 among states for the highest rates of food insecurity.1 North Carolinians living in regions with high food insecurity are more likely to experience limited access to transportation as well as an increased risk of mental health challenges. A meta-analysis of 19 studies, involving over 370K participants globally, found that food insecurity significantly increases the likelihood of depression and stress, underlining the urgent need for targeted interventions.2 To improve long-term health outcomes of North Carolinians, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina invested $100K in the Farm at Penny Lane Food Shuttle, a program created by the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health. Through this investment, UnitedHealthcare aims to address both food insecurity and its associated health risks.
Farm at Penny Lane
The UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health is committed to the recovery of individuals with mental illness across North Carolina, focusing on prevention, treatment, research and community education.3 The UNC Farm at Penny Lane, located on 40 acres in northern Chatham County, represents a key part of this mission. The farm promotes holistic well-being by offering therapeutic activities that help individuals with mental illnesses become healthier and more self-sufficient.
The farm boasts a large growing area, heritage-breed chickens, beehives, a learning kitchen and a walking trail. These features enable residents to engage in activities that enhance both their physical and mental health, providing opportunities for socialization, skill development and a connection to nature.
Building on these efforts, the Farm at Penny Lane officially launched its food shuttle on Thursday, September 26. The shuttle aims to increase access to nutritious meals for individuals in Chatham, Orange, Durham and Wake counties, many of whom face transportation barriers that prevent them from accessing healthy food. The food shuttle will serve residents dealing with housing insecurity, homelessness and chronic health conditions.
Improving access to nutritious food
To ensure the success of the food shuttle, the program is partnering with local restaurants, farms and churches. These collaborations will enable the distribution of cooked meals to those in need, particularly those who are unable to reach food sources due to transportation constraints. Key partners include:
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars (Wake County Familiar Faces Team)
- UNC Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Wake County Government
- Carroll's Kitchen
- Good Bowls
- Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA)
- Chapel in the Pines
- Sippers Café and Bakery
These partnerships help the shuttle provide a consistent supply of nutritious food to vulnerable populations, offering both immediate relief and long-term support for improved health outcomes.
A commitment to health and well-being
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina’s investment in the Farm at Penny Lane Food Shuttle highlights its commitment to improving the health of North Carolinians, especially those in rural areas who face significant barriers to accessing nutritious food.
Anita Bachmann, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We are honored to support the UNC Farm at Penny Lane in expanding capacity for their critical programming designed to help people achieve better health. The new shuttle will increase access to nutritious food in rural areas for individuals without a lot of options."
By addressing food insecurity, enhancing access to healthy meals and fostering partnerships that support underserved communities, UnitedHealthcare is making a lasting impact on the overall well-being of residents. This investment not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also contributes to the broader goal of improving health outcomes across the state.
