Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Launches New Initiative to Expand Access to Nutritious Food in Community
KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) introduced Well Stocked, a new community impact initiative focused on increasing access to nutritious food in underserved areas in Kansas City.
Access to nutritious food is key to the health and economic vitality of Kansas City. However, an estimated 350,000 people in Kansas City and the surrounding area are hungry, or faced by the threat of hunger.1 Children are especially vulnerable, and currently more than 100,000 children in Kansas City don't have access to the food they need to thrive.2
"Caring for our community is at the heart of what we do," said Danette Wilson, President and CEO of Blue KC. "We're committed to improving the overall health of our community, and that starts with ensuring that everyone in Kansas City knows where they'll get their next nutritious meal."
Through Well Stocked, Blue KC and its employees will promote education and access to nutritious food by expanding partnerships with local organizations. In its inaugural year, Blue KC will leverage its relationship with Harvesters—The Community Food Network to build awareness of this critical issue and provide healthy meals to children and families via the Harvesters' network.
"We've always valued our partnership with Blue KC, and look forward to strengthening our efforts together through Well Stocked," said Valerie Nicholson-Watson, President and CEO of Harvesters. "As part of today's announcement, donations from Blue KC employees will go directly to feed children and families who struggle to find regular, nutritious meals during the summer months when school is out and food donations slow."
"We value the partnerships that we've built over the years with so many Kansas City organizations that strive to improve the health of our community," said Macaela Stephenson, Manager of Community Relations and Investment at Blue KC. "With Well Stocked, we will continue to build on those partnerships, but with a focus on increasing access of nutritious food to make an even greater impact."
Blue KC will continue to remain dedicated to its existing partnerships, and will continue to support initiatives related to health services and community wellness; education and community engagement; and arts, culture and civic engagement.
For more information about Well Stocked or Blue KC's community impact programs, visit BlueKC.com/WellStocked.
1Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap 2018 Report: http://map.feedingamerica.org/
2Feeding America, Map the Meal Gap 2018 Report: http://map.feedingamerica.org/
SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City
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