BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee employees donated 10,472 meals to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to combat critical food shortages the organization faces during the summer.
Gina Crumbliss, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, said, “Most families welcome the relaxing summer months. But hunger doesn’t take a summer vacation. Long summer days can easily turn into long hungry nights for children who rely on free and reduced-priced meals during the school year.”
Donations collected during the summer are critical in allowing the food bank to serve residents throughout the year and in staving off debilitating food shortages.
“When we heard about the food bank’s need, we knew our employees would want to help,” said Scott Wilson, director of community relations and health foundation for BlueCross.
The BlueCross Neighbor to Neighbor Food Drive, organized by the company’s Team Blue volunteer program, ran from June 7 through June 21. At the Cameron Hill office in Chattanooga, employees donated 6,926 pounds of food, the equivalent of 5,772 meals.
Employees also raised $1,175 in cash donations to support the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. These funds will be used to purchase an additional 4,700 meals, bringing the drive’s overall total to 12,566 pounds, or 10,472 meals.
Of the donations, Ms. Crumbliss said, “Thank you to Team Blue and the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee employees who generously donated to the Neighbor to Neighbor Food Drive. You have made a tremendous impact on our community by giving the equivalent of 10,472 meals in just two short weeks. By opening your hearts to our neighbors, you are helping to make this summer hunger-free for the children, families, seniors and others we serve. Together, we can solve hunger.”
Mr. Wilson added, “I am overwhelmed by the amazing response and tremendous generosity of our Team Blue volunteers and BlueCross employees. They have helped stock food bank shelves, and many of our neighbors will have meals this summer thanks to their efforts.”