AUSTIN (KXAN) – Feeding Texas and the Texas Association of Community Health Plans marked the start of Healthy Texan Week on Monday, starting a new pilot program aimed at improving health outcomes through nutrition.

Healthy Texan Week, which runs from May 4 to May 11, is a statewide awareness campaign designated by the Texas Legislature to promote wellness, disease prevention and access to health resources. Events held across Texas include free health screenings, vaccination clinics, fitness activities, nutrition education programs and mental health awareness efforts.

“Healthy Texan Week reminds us that good health starts with good nutrition, and the Feeding Texas network of food banks is committed to making that a reality for all Texans,” said Celia Cole, chief executive officer of Feeding Texas. “The Medically Tailored Meals pilot project that the legislature approved last year is an exciting step toward ensuring Texans with chronic conditions get the nutrition they need to achieve better health while lowering healthcare costs.”

The new program will provide medically tailored meals to eligible Medicaid managed care members living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. The meals will be designed by registered dietitians to meet specific nutritional needs, addressing both medical care and food insecurity.

The pilot was approved under House Bill 26 during the 89th Texas Legislature. Under the law, Texas Medicaid managed care organizations are expected to begin delivering the meals to qualifying members starting this month.

More information about Healthy Texan Week and local events can be found here.