HARTFORD, Conn. ― Aetna Medicaid, a CVS Health company, today announced donations totaling $500,000 to community-based organizations dedicated to ending hunger in local communities across the country.
An estimated 47 million people face food insecurity in the United States, and local organizations are the frontline in addressing the problem. Aetna Medicaid will support food banks and food pantries in 14 states, including Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. These organizations play a vital role in their communities, providing dependable access to healthy food for individuals and families who may not otherwise have access to essential resources. Food pantries, often located in churches, schools and community centers, are essential in the fight against food insecurity.
“Aetna Medicaid is committed to investing in the long-term health and sustainable futures of our communities, standing alongside our neighbors and working to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive,” said Mark Santos, President, Aetna Medicaid. “Food banks and pantries are embedded in the communities they serve and understand their unique needs. We’re proud to support their efforts to maintain reliable access to healthy food and we’re looking forward to the positive impact they’ll continue to have.”
The donations build on ongoing work by Aetna Medicaid and CVS Health to develop strong relationships with local organizations that support the communities they serve. Since the beginning of this year, Aetna Medicaid has committed a total of approximately $800,000 in donations and sponsorships to address food insecurity. In addition, CVS Health recently announced significant commitments from CVS Health, CVS Foundation and CVS Pharmacy customers, continuing a long history of supporting community access to nutritious food.
Among the donation recipients will be Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, which supports more than 500 community partners and programs across 23 parishes. Their staff and volunteers distribute the equivalent of more than 38 million meals a year.
“Continued support from Aetna Medicaid allows us to expand our reach and address food insecurity for even more families in need,” said Jon Toups, President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. “With these resources, we can ensure that healthy food is available to those who need it most.”
Learn more about CVS Health’s work to combat food insecurity and improve health outcomes.
