Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Partners with The Food Bank through $360,000 Pledge and Ongoing Health Education Collaboration
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri today announced a new partnership that will help address food security and healthcare needs across their shared service area. As part of the partnership, Anthem has pledged $360,000 to help The Food Bank support programming and the distribution of nutritious food to families facing food insecurity.
“With a purpose of improving the health of humanity, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield understands that the food we eat, and our access to healthy food, significantly impacts the health of our communities,” said John Van Wart with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare. “Ensuring access to nutritious foods is critical for whole health and that’s why we are working alongside The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri to make food more accessible and affordable, especially for our most vulnerable consumers.”
Feeding America research suggests one in eight people in The Food Bank’s service area faces hunger, and food insecurity is even higher in more rural areas. With a footprint that stretches across one-third of the state, The Food Bank serves a number of Missouri communities without a brick and mortar food pantry.
Since food insecurity often goes hand-in-hand with lack of access to healthcare, Anthem will provide education and outreach regarding health insurance options at select mobile pantries as well as Central Pantry in Columbia. In addition, The Food Bank’s partner agencies will have the opportunity to partner with Anthem to share information at pantries and hunger-relief events.
“Our partnership with Anthem will mean additional resources for underserved communities at a time when need is increasing. In addition, Anthem’s collaboration with The Food Bank and our partner agencies will offer new layers of healthcare information to support the diverse needs of our neighbors in a single, convenient location,” said Lindsay Young Lopez, President and CEO of The Food Bank. “I am excited to see this new partnership help families build a stronger foundation upon which they can achieve long-term food security.”
For more information on accessing food assistance or to donate to support the needs of your neighbors, visit www.sharefoodbringhope.org.