A Note from the

Executive Director

Dear Friend,


As we come to the end of what has been a very challenging year for our country, H2HC is committed to continuing to create a space for changemakers to come together to share and explore systemic solutions to food and nutrition challenges.


More than 100 colleagues from 17 states, both coasts, and Washington, D.C., joined us in Boston in November for our Fall Summit where we celebrated six exciting H2HC Prize for Innovation winners. Participants have shared that they valued the richness of the content and discussions as well as the opportunities to learn, share, and connect. Look for our Summit report in early 2026.


As we plan for the new year, please help us by taking just a moment to rank order your interest in these social drivers of health (SDOH):

  • Food and Nutrition
  • Health Equity
  • Housing
  • Payment Models
  • Rural Health​
  • Wealth Inequality

Best wishes for a peaceful end to this year and a bright start to the next. I look forward to collaborating with you in 2026.

Warmly,

Nicolene Hengen

Executive Director

H2HC 2025 Fall Summit:

Advancing Health Equity Through Innovation and Partnerships

 


Community Resources

New Report Focuses on the Rise of a New American Oligarchy


UNEQUAL, released by Oxfam on November 3, provides a snapshot of U.S. economic inequality; examines the influence of concentrated wealth on politics; and assesses how policymakers’ choices on taxes, labor, social protections, and other issues have contributed to the growing divide.

Native Americans in Philanthropy Releases New Language Resource for Non-Indigenous People


Native Americans in Philanthropy is working to Indigenize the philanthropic process by developing shared understandings through education and communication. Language & Learning Resource for Non-Indigenous People is a guide for funders, philanthropy professionals, and allies to better understand Indigenous communities and how they intersect with the philanthropy sector.

Report Highlights Connections Between Food is Medicine (FIM), SNAP, and WIC


A new brief published on October 6, 2025, from the Medicaid Food Security Network focuses on how Medicaid-funded food and nutrition interventions, SNAP, and WIC work together to expand nutrition access. It highlights state coordination practices, how FIM builds lasting healthy eating skills, and why efficient program alignment is critical amid federal cuts.


Event of Interest

Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)

National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference

April 26–28, 2026, Washington, D.C.


The National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference, sponsored by the Food Research & Action Center in cooperation with the National CACFP Forum, will be held April 26–28, 2026, in Washington, D.C., at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.


In the News


Majority of the public continues to support extending ACA tax credits | KFF News

(November 7, 2025)


Food insecurity leaves long-term scars - the SNAP cuts are no exception |The Guardian (November 13, 2025)


Despite SNAP's return, indigenous Americans still struggle with food insecurity | NPR (November 30, 2025)


Insured in Kentucky Experience High Costs and Delays in Care | Commonwealth Fund (December 10, 2025)



 

About H2HC

H2HC supports innovative, systemic approaches to food and nutrition challenges that advance health equity, all through a focus on the social drivers of health.

H2HC Leadership Council

 
 

Contact us at info@h2hcollaboratory.org.

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