More than 6,400 bags of fresh produce and food items will be distributed at Anthem Community Service Centers
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New York today announced a donation of more than $60,000 to help fund more than 32 food distribution events in partnership with The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) and Food Bank for New York City. The initiative will provide an added lifeline to families struggling to make ends meet, especially during the holiday season when budgets are stretched and demand for food assistance rises. The distributions run through December 23 and will be held at Anthem Community Service Centers in the five boroughs and select churches in Suffolk and Westchester counties.
“Anthem’s investment helps us do more than distribute food. It helps us advance food equity for New Yorkers who are too often overlooked,” said Dr. Melony Samuels, founder and CEO, The Campaign Against Hunger. “By ensuring families have access to fresh, nutritious foods, especially during the holidays, this partnership strengthens our communities and reinforces the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance at a healthy, dignified life.”
Rising grocery costs and ongoing strain on community food providers have made it harder for families to access nutritious food on a consistent basis. Food banks and pantries across the region have reported increased demand, even as they work to overcome shortages and keep their operations running strong. Anthem’s latest investment is designed to help bridge that gap by expanding access to healthy food where members live, work, and gather.
At each food distribution event, 200 bags of fresh produce and non-perishable foods will be provided, offering thousands of New Yorkers a much-needed resource during a time of year that can be especially difficult for households already facing tight budgets.
The initiative supports food distribution efforts including TCAH’s innovative Fresh Vibes Market concept, which brings a welcoming, market-style experience to food access and nutrition education. At Fresh Vibes Market locations, community members can select from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and other staples, while also learning about healthy eating and preparing nutritious meals on a budget.
“For nearly a decade, Anthem has been proud to stand alongside The Campaign Against Hunger in the effort to expand access to nutritious food for New Yorkers,” said Dr. Mark Levy, President and CEO, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in NY. “We know that food is deeply connected to health, and this partnership helps bring the ‘Food as Medicine’ idea to life by making healthier foods more accessible in the very communities we serve. During the holidays and beyond, these efforts help families eat better, feel better, and live healthier lives.”
Over the course of its partnership with The Campaign Against Hunger, Anthem has supported a variety of food access and nutrition initiatives that deliver meaningful impact for families across New York. The upcoming series of distribution events is part of Anthem’s broader commitment to addressing social drivers of health. By partnering with trusted community organizations like TCAH and Food Bank for New York City, Anthem aims to help relieve some of the pressure families feel at the grocery store, while supporting healthier communities for the long term.
All events are free and open to the public. For a current schedule of distributions at Anthem Community Service Centers visit its Community Events listings.
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Serving New Yorkers for 90 years, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP is on a mission to materially and measurably improve the health of New Yorkers. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield HP is the trade name of Anthem HP, LLC. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc., serving residents and businesses in the 17 eastern and southeastern counties of New York state. Additional information about Anthem is available at www.anthem.com. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About The Campaign Against Hunger
The Campaign Against Hunger is a leading nonprofit organization based in Brooklyn, NY, working to build a more equitable food system through emergency food services, urban agriculture, workforce development, and community wellness programs. TCAH serves over 1.5 million New Yorkers annually through its innovative, people-centered approach to food justice. Additional information about The Campaign Against Hunger is available at https://www.tcahnyc.org/.
About Food Bank for NYC
Driven by our mission to empower every New Yorker to achieve food security for good, we harness the collective power of our network of food providers, partners, and volunteers to activate the right resources, supports, and expertise across the five boroughs. Our work with more than 800 soup kitchens, food pantries, and campus partners provides immediate and reliable access to food and nutrition education, while our economic empowerment programs give people the tools and know-how to improve their financial wellness. Community by community, we work together to make progress on a more hopeful, dignified, and equitable future for all. To learn more about our impact or get involved, visit foodbanknyc.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE: For interviews with Anthem and photo opportunities contact Keith Klein at [email protected].
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