Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Fights Food Insecurity and Related Health Conditions With New Statewide Initiative

PHOENIX, Jan. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Many Arizonans use the New Year to realign diet goals and set healthy resolutions. However, there's an entirely different battle going on for an estimated 1 in 5 Arizonans that are struggling with hunger due in large part to the inability to access to healthy affordable food.^* Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona announced today that the State's largest locally owned health insurer is stepping up its efforts to fight this food issue and related chronic health conditions through a new program, Nourishing Arizona.

Research also shows, a staggering 1 in 3 Arizonans or 2.02 million individuals are considered "working poor."^* This means they are living at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.  Families with limited incomes are often forced to make food choices based on price or convenience alone. This program, Nourishing Arizona, aims to help people understand the importance of good food, while gaining an understanding of how to make healthy decisions and know where to go to get help.

"For as long as I can remember, we've been working alongside hundreds of organizations that support children and adults getting the care and nutrition they need – whether that is through local food banks, educational programs or health and wellness initiatives," said Rich Boals, president and CEO of BCBSAZ. "Nourishing Arizona shines a light on two significant health challenges this state faces – Arizonans who struggle to eat three meals, and those who are making choices that lead to obesity and other health complications. By raising awareness, supporting new and ongoing community programs, Nourishing Arizona looks to have a long-term effect on chronic health conditions and improve overall wellness for Arizonans." 

Building upon BCBSAZ's strong community ties and ongoing commitment to health and wellness, the program will highlight four main focus areas:

• Raising awareness for the concern of food insecurity and food deserts
• Educating Arizonans on making better food choices
• Directing people to resources and access to help
• Maintaining healthy habits learned and sharing learnings  

For ongoing information about the program visit NourishingArizona.com

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is the largest Arizona-based health insurance company. The not-for-profit company was founded in 1939 and provides health insurance products, services or networks to 1.3 million individuals. With offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson and the East Valley, the company employs more than 1,300 Arizonans. Follow BCBSAZ at www.facebook.com/bcbsaz or on Twitter at @bcbsaz to get information on health and wellness as well as a knowledgeable perspective on health insurance reform, and to become a part of what we're doing in your community. 

*http://www.azfoodbanks.org/index.php/missingmeals 

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Related Links

http://www.bcbs.com