Food Insecurity, COVID-19 and the Community

Summary

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, led by CEO Curtis Barnett, is actively combating food insecurity in Arkansas. With 19.7% of its population facing hunger, the company has provided over $2.4 million in grants to support food pantries, educational programs, and community gardens. Amid COVID-19, they've donated $500,000 to food banks and launched a $1.7 million rapid response grant program to aid nonprofits impacted by the pandemic. Their efforts have been crucial in feeding the vulnerable and adapting to new challenges posed by the health crisis.

Takeaways

• 📊 Arkansas ranks in the category of very low food insecurity at 8.1%, meaning households face severe problems with hunger.
• 👶 Arkansas ranks sixth in senior hunger nationally, with over 240,000 Arkansans over the age of 60 being food insecure.
• 🏥 Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been committed to addressing food insecurity for over seven decades.
• 💼 Rebecca Pattillo, Associate Director of Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, discusses the organization's efforts.
• 🍽️ The company has worked with community organizations to prepare over 1.1 million meals for local food pantries.
• 📈 Before COVID-19, the Blue & You Foundation had awarded 242 grants totaling over $2.4 million to fight food insecurity.
• 🦠 COVID-19 has increased the demand for food assistance, with food banks in Arkansas preparing for the worst and seeking additional resources.
• 💸 In response to COVID-19, the Blue & You Foundation donated $500,000 to three large food distribution hubs and $150,000 to the Arkansas Community Foundation.
• 🆘 The foundation also launched a rapid response COVID-19 grant program, earmarking $1.7 million for nonprofits making an impact on preventing the spread of the virus.
• 📈 The Arkansas Food Bank has seen a dramatic increase in need and a shift to a drive-thru and pickup model for food distribution.

Q & A

What is the current food insecurity rate in Arkansas?

The current food insecurity rate in Arkansas is 8.1%, which is categorized as 'very low' by the USDA.

How does Arkansas rank in terms of food insecurity among U.S. states?

Arkansas ranks second in the number of people facing food insecurity.

What is the percentage of seniors facing food insecurity in Arkansas?

Approximately 19.7% of seniors in Arkansas are facing food insecurity.

How has Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield been addressing food insecurity in the state?

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been addressing food insecurity by providing critical funding to organizations supporting communities, investing in community health, and working with organizations to help people have access to nutritious food.

What was the company's initiative to prepare meals for local food pantries?

In celebration of their 70th anniversary, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield worked with community organizations to prepare more than 1.1 million meals for local food pantries through their 'Fearless Food Fight'.

What was the total amount of grants awarded by the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas to fight food insecurity?

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas has awarded 242 grants totaling more than $2.4 million to fight food insecurity.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the food banks in Arkansas?

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increased demand for food assistance, causing food banks in Arkansas to stock up on additional food and re-engineer their volunteer-driven method of meal packing to accommodate social distancing.

What was the response of the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas to the COVID-19 crisis?

In response to COVID-19, the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas donated $500,000 to three large food distribution hubs and $150,000 to the Arkansas Community Foundation to support food insecurity.

What is the 'Rapid Response COVID-19 Relief' grant program?

The 'Rapid Response COVID-19 Relief' grant program is an initiative by the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas to provide immediate financial support to nonprofit organizations that are making a significant impact on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

How has the Arkansas Food Bank adapted its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Arkansas Food Bank has adapted its operations by shifting from a grocery store model to a drive-thru and pickup model to support social distancing, and has seen a dramatic increase in need, including a rise in first-time users of the charitable food system.

What is the role of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield employees in supporting food security efforts?

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield employees actively participate in charitable giving campaigns, food drives, and volunteer activities, such as sewing masks, packing food boxes, and packing hygiene kits, to support food security efforts.