The North Birmingham community recently came together for Live HealthSmart Alabama’s (LHSA) Shopper Appreciation event, designed to promote health and well-being among residents. Attendees received $25 vouchers to spend at LHSA’s Mobile Market, which provides a variety of fresh produce and a selection of pantry staples, proteins, and dairy products.
LHSA is grateful to United Healthcare for its participation in the Shopper Appreciation event and its commitment to the community. The United Healthcare team joined LHSA on-site to engage with residents and provide valuable information and resources on health insurance.
“Our team was very fortunate to be part of the Live HealthSmart Alabama Shopper Appreciation event in August. We are always looking for new opportunities to help people. Partnering with LHSA gives us a wonderful chance to do just that!” said Art Sullivan, Director of Sales for United Healthcare. “When we do events in the community, our goal is to be a great resource to the people, not just pertaining to their Medicare plan but also to help them live healthier lives.”
Residents expressed their appreciation for the Mobile Market vouchers and the convenience of having the market brought directly to a location near them. For many, this event was an opportunity to access nutritious foods and important health resources that might not have been otherwise available or easily accessible.
According to the Grocery Store Update presented by Birmingham City Mayor Randall Woodfin at a 2019 City Council meeting, 69% of Birmingham’s population resides in a food desert. Of the nearly 2 million Alabamians living in food deserts, approximately 150,000 are in Birmingham.
While the specific needs of each food desert community are different, a common challenge these areas face is the limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. To help address this, LHSA’s Mobile Market regularly visits 29 different neighborhoods across Birmingham, making it easier for residents to make healthier choices at an affordable cost.
The Shopper Appreciation event was not only a success in terms of turnout but also in its impact. Throughout the event, there was a sense of community developed amongst residents, LHSA team members, and United Healthcare representatives. The event marked another step forward in LHSA’s mission to make good health simple for all Alabamians.
