Healthfirst, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health insurers, has made a generous donation to Feeding Westchester. The funds will help Westchester
County’s largest nonprofit hunger relief organization provide nutritious meals for nearly 40,000 families (or 150,000 people) this holiday season by stocking
their Mobile Food Pantry and Fresh Market Program with more than 88,000 pounds of food.
“The economic crisis caused by the pandemic has led to devastating consequences for those who were already struggling,” said Pat Wang, president and
chief executive officer of Healthfirst. “For many of our members, including one million Medicaid clients, food insecurity has always been an issue. COVID-19
has dramatically worsened the situation and laid bare how many of our neighbors lack the basic necessities to sustain a healthy life.”
Errol Pierre, senior vice president of State Programs at Healthfirst, said, “Facing hunger is very stressful. It impacts a person’s emotional and mental well-being and can weaken the body making it more vulnerable to illness and worsen chronic conditions. We felt it was important to support Feeding Westchester to help address this fundamental need because it is more important than ever that people stay strong. No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”
Healthfirst is committed to reducing health disparities across its membership and member communities through the work it does every day. This holiday
season, the company is also supporting healthy communities by helping those struggling to put food on the table.
“Healthfirst will continue its commitment to addressing the nutrition needs of New Yorkers as part of our ongoing efforts to battle disparities and to help
improve health outcomes in the communities we serve,” Wang said. “We enthusiastically support the efforts of Feeding Westchester, which is dedicated to
combating food insecurity where many of our members live and work.”
0-Feeding Westchester’s network of nearly 300 partner agencies and programs throughout the county are serving between 260,00-300,000 residents who
are hungry each month—more than twice as many as pre-COVID-19. The nonprofit has distributed nearly 20.4 million pounds of food, or 17 million meals, in the last year compared to 10.1 million pounds in 2019.
“Many families and individuals right here in Westchester County are facing unprecedented challenges this holiday season,” said Karen C. Erren, president
& CEO of Feeding Westchester. “From those who are struggling to make the holidays special for their children, to seniors who are spending the holidays alone, the impact of hunger is pervasive in our community. This generous donation from Healthfirst will help provide 150,000 nutritious meals to those in need throughout our communities.”
Feeding Westchester is located at 200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY 10523. They can be reached at 923-1100 or by visiting feedingwestchester.org. For
the latest news and updates, follow @FeedingWestchester on Facebook and Instagram and @FeedWestchester on Twitter.
(Submitted)
