Reflecting on a year of connecting food & health (by Samantha Fields)
October 30, 2024
Samantha Fields
I wanted to share what this past year has been like for me as Project Lead for the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger’s Connecting Food and Health Project. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I’ve learned a lot from our team meetings and the many webinars I found through the Blueprint and other sources, which have really informed my direction for this team.
An important goal for me personally has been to draw on my ongoing relationships with the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF)’s Medicaid Member Experience Advisory Council; the Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs); the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Family Voice Council; and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) – to act as a bridge between the Blueprint, these organizations, and Medicaid. As a disabled senior, Medicaid member, and SNAP recipient myself, I’m deeply committed to ensuring our work addresses the needs of people dealing with food insecurity and chronic health issues.
Working with Advisory Councils & Collaborators
As Project Lead, a key part of my role has been fostering collaboration with Medicaid members, community-based organizations, member advisory councils, and other collaborators. Colorado is a state with a diverse geography and a diverse people, and it’s been vital to work toward the Blueprint’s vision of creating a Colorado where everyone can access the food they choose, where they want it, and when they need it. We’re proud to have had representation from all five RAE organizations on our team, representing all areas of Colorado and ensuring diverse perspectives guide our actions. We’ve also been working on policy recommendations and providing feedback to HCPF, including drafting letters and toolkits to advocate for inclusion of nutrition and food supports in their contracts.
Working on Policy Recommendations & Food Programs
We’ve been busy making recommendations for HCPF about RAE contracts and compiling a list of food pantries, food-is-medicine programs, and other food resources across the state that will be provided to the RAEs to help with their work going forward. It’s been great to see how these efforts are shaping future contracts to include more nutrition and food supports.
Tackling 1115 Waivers
We’ve also tackled education on 1115 waivers, which are an important part of improving our healthcare system. Making sure these waivers support our food and health goals is key.
Leaning on Community-Based Organizations
An important element of our work has been collaborating with community-based organizations. These groups are on the ground every day, working directly with those in need. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable, and their insights have been crucial for guiding our efforts effectively.
Teaming Up with Other Advocates
One of the best parts of this role for me has been working with other advocates I’ve teamed up with for the past five years. Bringing different voices and perspectives to the table has been really meaningful, and it’s been inspiring to see how our combined efforts are making a difference. They have been a great support to me over this past year, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.
Working with Greta & the Blueprint Team
I’ve also really enjoyed working with Greta Allen, the Blueprint’s Policy Director, this past year. She’s taught me so much and has been a fantastic partner. I appreciate her confidence in me and her support throughout. Her insights and encouragement have been incredibly valuable. I also want to extend my thanks to the whole Blueprint team for their support and collaboration. One thing I’ve valued about working with the Blueprint is how they put equity into practice every single day. I’ve never once felt like I was seen as less than or that my voice didn’t matter—this sense of true partnership has meant so much to me.
Personal Growth & Impact
On a personal level, this role has been a significant growth experience for me. Having faced my own struggles with food insecurity and health issues, I connect deeply with the challenges we’re addressing. This personal experience has fueled my passion for our mission and strengthened my commitment to improving food access and health for our community.
As I look ahead, I’m excited about where we’re headed. I’m committed to continuing to build strong connections between the Blueprint, the RAEs, and Medicaid. By staying connected with HCPF, the RAEs, CDHS, and CDPHE while drawing on the knowledge of community-based organizations, we can keep our work grounded in real needs and solid data.
It’s been a year full of accomplishments, from fostering collaboration and working on key projects to tackling policy recommendations and 1115 waivers. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and look forward to building on this foundation in the future.
It’s been an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity. I’m excited to see what comes next.