Partnerships That Strengthen Our Communities In The National Capital Area
When the health of our community is prioritized, everyone benefits.
That’s why CareFirst partners and collaborates with community leaders, grassroots coalitions, nonprofit organizations, municipalities and health systems to proactively identify and address social determinants of health that result in disparate health outcomes in the communities we serve.
In the National Capital Area, CareFirst is proud to partner with the Washington Capitals, Washington Mystics, Washington Nationals and Washington Wizards to grow food security in Wards 7 and 8.
Addressing Food Security in Wards 7, 8
CareFirst’s collaboration with Monumental Sports is a cornerstone of our philanthropic engagement in the District of Columbia and surrounding communities, enabling CareFirst to minimize disparities and advance health equity.
In 2022, CareFirst established a three-year partnership with DC Greens, whose mission is to advance health equity by building a just and resilient food system.
We joined the Wizards for their 2nd Annual Thankful Meals events at the RISE Demonstration Center as part of our partnership. CareFirst was onsite with members of the Wizards and Mystics organizations to distribute meals.
The larger community effort with Monumental Sports includes our joint support of The Well at Oxen Run, also in partnership with DC Greens. This resident-led, intergenerational urban farm and wellness space provides food for the surrounding neighborhoods and educational opportunities to empower community members to define and create wellness on their own terms.
Learn how this urban farm and wellness space exemplifies “with care.”
Striking Out Food Deserts at Nationals Park
In collaboration with the Washington Nationals and Building Bridges Across the River, CareFirst completed its first growing season in 2022 in the Giving Garden, a 6,000-square-foot rooftop garden inside Nationals Park.
Produce from the Giving Garden is harvested and distributed through Building Bridges Across the River’s Community Raised Inspired and Sourced Produce (C.R.I.S.P.), Community Sourced Agriculture (CSA) program and Saturday Farmer’s Market, which operates from May through November.
In 2022, CareFirst supported harvesting 645 pounds of food, including more than 20 crop varieties. More than 400 residents from Wards 7 and 8 pay an income-based fee and receive access to the fruits, vegetables, herbs and other value-added products like honey harvested at the Giving Garden.
Learn how the Giving Garden combats food insecurity.
To learn more about CareFirst's efforts in the Community, visit: 2022 Mission in Action Report and visit www.carefirst.com/community.