Hazel Green, KY - November 10, 2023, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare in Kentucky (Anthem) and God's Pantry Food Bank are proud to announce the extension of their partnership to fight hunger and improve the health of Kentuckians. Together, the two organizations will continue their work to maximize food resources in underserved areas through the Mobile Pantry Program.
Anthem will provide an annual gift of $200,000 to God's Pantry Food Bank through 2026, resulting in a $1,390,000 investment since the start of their partnership in 2020. This substantial investment designates Anthem as the Presenting Sponsor of the Mobile Pantry Program, enabling direct distributions for Kentuckians experiencing food insecurity in counties with limited food pantry resources.
"Everyone deserves access to nutritious, healthy food, and it remains Anthem's priority to support initiatives that reduce food insecurity and improve the whole health of our communities," said Dave Mull, Regional Vice President, Medicare Performance, East Central Region, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. 'Through our partnership with God's Pantry Food Bank, we will continue to break down barriers and create innovative solutions that leave no one hungry or malnourished. Together, we're working to cultivate a healthier, more equitable Kentucky where everyone can thrive, reach their full potential, and enjoy a life of dignity and well-being, regardless of their location."
The Mobile Pantry Program presented by Anthem provides monthly deliveries of food throughout the God's Pantry Food Bank service area in Central and Eastern Kentucky. This targeted approach helps bridge the gap between the demand for food and the available resources in these underserved areas. In Fiscal Year 2023, the Mobile Pantry Program distributed 1. 7 million pounds of food. Learn more about the Mobile Pantry Program here.
Anthem's investment in God's Pantry Food Bank is a commitment to promoting local food and the concept of 'food as medicine, ' which underscores the belief that a nutritious diet is the foundation of effective preventive healthcare. Food security and health are inextricably linked. The lack of access to nutritious foods can have serious, long-term effects on health and well-being, and it can make managing existing chronic conditions more difficult for people facing hunger. Together, God's Pantry Food Bank and Anthem will continue their work together to bring local food and health services to Kentucky families.
"God's Pantry Food Bank is grateful to have this partnership with Anthem Medicare," said Michael Halligan, CEO of God's Pantry Food Bank. "Their support will enable us to expand our reach and provide adequate nourishment to those who need it the most."
In addition to addressing food insecurity, the collaboration provides opportunities for Anthem representatives to visit program sites to directly observe the impact of their support and further strengthen the partnership between the two organizations.
Media Contact:
Laura Brooks
lbrooks@godspantry.org
606-584-4572
About God's Pantry Food Bank:
In Kentucky, 1 in 8 people are unsure about where they'll get their next meal. In Central and Eastern Kentucky, it is 1 in 6. God's Pantry Food Bank serves 50 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky in partnership with more than 500 food pantries and meal programs. Our vision: A nourished life for every Kentuckian. Our mission: Reducing hunger by working together to feed Kentucky communities. Visit www.godspantry.org to learn more.
About Anthem Medicare:
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/anthemBCBS and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossBlueShield.
