Empire Blue Cross employees volunteer at the Regional Food Bank. (photo provided)
LATHAM, N.Y. — The Empire BlueCross Foundation announced a grant to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
Empire BlueCross Foundation, the charitable arm of Empire BlueCross, is providing a three-year, $450,000 grant that will support the Food Bank’s Food Farmacy Program. The Program provides participants and their families with a three-day supply of fresh produce, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and other protein on a weekly basis.
“Our mission at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (is) to not only feed our neighbors in need but to also provide them with healthy and nutritious food,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, in a news release. “With Empire BlueCross Foundation’s generous grant of $450,000, we are able to deepen our efforts in providing nutritious meals and will work closely with healthcare partners committed to the whole health of vulnerable New Yorkers.”
As part of its ongoing efforts, the Food Bank is partnering with St. Peter’s Health Partners and Saratoga Hospital to develop on-site food pantries that distribute meal packages tailored to patients’ chronic diseases in conjunction with nutrition education and counseling, with a goal of supporting more than 1,600 patients over the next three years.
“We know that a well-balanced, nutritious diet can have a positive impact on a person’s health. Yet, we also know that eating healthy can be costly. For many of our patients battling chronic medical conditions, that can often be a heavy burden,” said Katherine DeRosa, Chief Mission Officer and Vice President of Community Health and Well-Being for St. Peter’s Health Partners, in the release. “This grant from Empire BlueCross Foundation will help us expand our Food Farmacy program to reach even more community members in need, provide them with the tools to manage their chronic conditions through healthy eating, and hopefully lighten their load. We are extremely grateful for their generosity and partnership.”
Highly nutritious foods are an important part of supporting the whole health of a community, which includes the treatment and prevention of diet-related diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. According to the National Institutes of Health, half of U.S. adults have one or more preventable chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor nutrition.
“Access to nutritious food is a critically important part of whole health. In partnership with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, St. Peter’s Health Partners, and Saratoga Hospital, we continue to work toward a future where nobody goes hungry, and where everyone in our region has equitable access to healthy food so they can live their healthiest lives,” said Jason O’Malley, Regional Vice President of Sales for Empire BlueCross, in the release.
“The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York has been a steadfast community partner in our Food as Medicine programming,” said Renee Rodriguez-Goodemote, Medical Director of Saratoga Community Health Center, in the release. “Through their support and partnership, we are able to improve access to nutritious food offerings right in the medical office. We can combine education and a catered bag of groceries that is specific to each person’s individual needs. Nutrient-dense food is central to our patients’ wellness plan. We are grateful for the advocacy efforts and partnership of the Regional Food Bank.”
The grant announcement is part of Empire’s $2.2 million “Food as Medicine” program, directed at food banks across New York State. It also coincided with National Hunger Action Day, a day to raise awareness about hunger in America and take action to fight food insecurity. As part of the day, 20 Empire employees volunteered at the Food Bank, sorting and organizing donations from the community.
To learn more about the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, visit regionalfoodbank.net.
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