From the Food Bank of Northern Nevada:
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada today announced a $25,000 grant from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada, which in turn will provide more than 75,000 nutritious meals for the one in six households in the state that are at risk of hunger.
“The Food Bank of Northern Nevada not only is fighting hunger but is also making sure its clients can access wholesome foods that are essential building blocks of nutrition and better health,” said Mike Murphy, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Nevada. “Providing fresh fruits and vegetables is a critical component of improving the overall health of our community, which is in keeping with Anthem's mission.”
The Food Bank of Northern Nevada will use these funds from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to help fund its Mobile Pantry Program. Mobile Pantry is a direct service program that allows the Food Bank to distribute fresh produce to high need neighborhoods. During the last fiscal year, the Food Bank was able to provide more than 1.4 million meals sourced from fresh produce through this program.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to help us get fresh produce to those who need it most,” said Cherie Jamason, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. “We know the importance of fresh food for our clients and are excited to be able further that work.”
More than one in six Nevadans live with hunger on an ongoing basis, according to a report released earlier this month from the Food Research and Action Center, and as many as one in four children in northern Nevada don't get enough nutritious food on a regular basis to grow and thrive. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada is currently serving more than 101,000 people each month throughout northern Nevada. Half of those served by the Food Bank are children and seniors.
Many Food Bank of Northern Nevada clients are battling health issues every day. The 2014 Hunger Study showed that 53% of Food Bank clients have a household member with high blood pressure and that 32% have a household member with diabetes.
“Research shows that diet can have a significant impact on health conditions including diabetes and heart disease,” Murphy said. “We're proud to support organizations like the Food Bank of Northern Nevada that are working to help Nevadans live their healthiest lives possible.”
Over the past six years, Anthem Inc. associates across the country have donated more than $6 million to the Feeding America network through the company's Associate Giving program.
From the Food Bank of Northern Nevada
