CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Food Relief Program Donates Over 130,000 Meals
Food insecurity is a real threat to the health of individuals and communities across the country. According to Maryland Food Bank, approximately 2 million people in Maryland may face hunger in 2022. Did you know that individuals experiencing food insecurity are more likely to develop chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease? If we address access to healthy food options, we can impact the health and wellbeing of entire communities.
As part of CareFirst's ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity in our service region, we created the Community Food Relief Program. We are proud to announce this effort has surpassed 130,000 meals delivered to underserved populations experiencing food insecurity in our region.
“The food is sometimes the only meal some residents have for that day! They are very appreciative. As I knocked on doors delivering food that Food Rescue US brought, I remember what one resident said: 'I don't know what I would have eaten today if you hadn't brought me this food.' I will never forget that smile as I handed her the boxed food as long as I live! Thank you and bless all the workers!”
Donna, House Manager, DC Housing Authority
In April 2020, when the CareFirst workforce went home to work remotely at the start of the pandemic, the company's foodservice supplier Aramark would have had to go home as well. With no one in the office to frequent the cafeterias, there was no one to make meals for. With the creation of the Community Food Relief Program, CareFirst was able to maintain employment status for Aramark team members. In turn, the Aramark staff working in the Community Food Relief Program kept office cafeterias open serving essential CareFirst personnel working in these locations.
In partnership with the Maryland Food Bank Middle Mile Program and Food Rescue US, CareFirst and Aramark prepared and distributed 600 boxed lunches per week to nonprofit organizations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The program has since grown and now donates 1,200 meals per week. Some of the nonprofit partners who have received meals include, but are not limited to, City of Refuge, New Life Food Pantry, D.C. Housing Authority, House of Ruth, D.C. Dream Center and more.
“There is so much to say thank you for to Aramark CareFirst. Seniors in the communities hardest hit during the pandemic are so appreciative for the many many blessings bestowed upon them. So many were faced with food insecurities at levels that were not normal. The healthy meal selections get a 5 star rating, the many many blessings and happy faces are PRICELESS. Thank you for helping restore so many people's faith and hearts.”
Kiesha Davis who gets meals on Fridays and distributes them to seniors
CareFirst has focused on addressing food insecurity in the region as part of the company’s larger mission to empower individuals with the tools they need to live healthy lives throughout the pandemic. In 2019, CareFirst partnered with the Maryland Food Bank and The Baltimore Ravens to create the Fresh Food Mobile to support critical food distribution programs in Maryland. CareFirst also donated nearly 3,000 meals to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and long-term acute care facilities in 2021, and distributed meals to all Emergency Room staff in every hospital in CareFirst’s service area in 2020.
The program recently was named a Healthcare Hero by the Maryland Daily Record for Community Outreach/Education Hero (Organization).
“After the initial wave of the pandemic, CareFirst BCBS was one our first "re-entry" rescues and has been a terrific experience ever since. Mark and his team are great partners - helping us load the car with boxed lunches that are much appreciated by the receiving agencies. Their commitment is matched by their enthusiasm; this is a mission they clearly embrace. We're so happy to be a part of this effort!"”
