• Skip to main content
Facebook Social icon (opens in a new window)
Twitter Social icon (opens in a new window)
Instagram Social icon (opens in a new window)
YouTube Social icon (opens in a new window)
MyChart Log In
  • Español

Central Health

Travis County Hospital District

  • For MAP Members
  • For Providers
  • Board of Managers & Meetings
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Español
512.978.8000
Get Health Care
Central Health Home Icon
Search Icon
  • MyChart Log In
  • Get Health Care
    • GET HEALTH CARE

    • GET HEALTH CARE SERVICES

      • Clinical Services
      • Locations
      • Central Health Service Providers
      • Health & Wellness
      • Patient Medical Records
      • CommUnityCare Health Centers (external link)
    • GET COVERED

      • Central Health Coverage Programs (MAP)
      • Sendero Health Plans (external link)
      • Health Insurance Marketplace Information
    • STAY COVERED

      • MAP Membership Renewal
      • Documents You’ll Need
  • About Us
    • ABOUT US

      • About Us
      • Culture
      • Central Health Strategic Plan
      • Board of Managers
      • Executive Leadership
      • Finance, Budget & Tax Rate
      • Do Business With Us
      • Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report
  • Get Involved
    • GET INVOLVED

      • Get Involved
      • Get Involved: Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
      • Community Health Champions
      • Health Equity Policy Council
      • Partner With Us
  • News
    • NEWSROOM

      • Newsroom
      • 2024 Demographic Report
      • Documents Library
      • Press Release Archive
  • For MAP Members
  • For Providers
  • Careers & Culture
  • Contact
Home > News > Central Health Seeks Innovative Partners to Tackle Food Access Challenges

Central Health Seeks Innovative Partners to Tackle Food Access Challenges

January 10, 2025

AUSTIN – Central Health, Travis County’s public hospital district, is currently accepting proposals from community partners to take part in its major initiative to improve food access and nutrition support for county residents.

Currently, Central Health is seeking innovative approaches in three distinct program areas that can ease food security challenges and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. As an urban Texas hospital district, Central Health provides access to health care for Travis County residents with low income (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level — around $30,000 for one person, $60,000 for a family of four).

“This comprehensive program represents Central Health’s commitment to addressing one of the most fundamental aspects of healthcare – access to nutritious food,” said Megan Cermak, Central Health’s director of public health strategy, policy, & disaster response. “By combining medically tailored meals, mobile food services, and employment opportunities, we’re creating a sustainable approach to fighting food insecurity in our community.”

Three Ways To Move the Needle

Proposals are due by February 18 that address each of the three components of the initiative:

  • A medically tailored meal delivery service that will provide weekly meals to approximately 600 eligible homebound and/or transportation-challenged patients, ensuring that individuals with specific health conditions receive proper nutrition aligned with their medical needs. The meals will be culturally appropriate and designed in collaboration with Central Health dieticians.
  • A “food farmacy” program will establish mobile food pantries at Central Health locations throughout Travis County. These mobile units will serve at least 65 patients per event, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious options that support better health outcomes.
  • A specialized program that will offer people experiencing homelessness both nutritious meal services and food-service job training opportunities, addressing immediate health needs while creating pathways to employment and stability.

To submit a proposal, go to www.centralhealth.net/finance/purchasing. The deadline to submit is February 18, 2025. Questions about the procurement can be submitted until January 17, with a virtual pre-bid conference scheduled for February 6. For more information about eligibility requirements, contact Balena Bunch at 512-978-8157 or balena.bunch@centralhealth.net.

white logo
Facebook Social icon (opens in a new window) Twitter Social icon (opens in a new window) Instagram Social icon (opens in a new window) YouTube Social icon (opens in a new window)

Notice: The Travis County Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 6.5 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $6.32 (six dollars and thirty-two cents).

Questions about MAP or MAP Basic:

512.978.8130

CommUnityCare:

512.978.9015

Sendero Health Plans:

844.800.4693

Join Our Team

Submit a Public Information Request

Privacy Policy

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Central Health Services Feedback

Board of Managers Message Board



1111 East Cesar Chavez St.
Austin, TX 78702
512.978.8000

Copyright © 2025 Central Health. All rights reserved.

Notice: The Travis County Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 6.5 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $6.32 (six dollars and thirty-two cents).

Copyright © 2025 Central Health. All Rights Reserved.