#United States #food insecurity #Long Island City #Fidelis Care #Community Grants

Fidelis Care Takes Action Against Food Insecurity in New York State

Fidelis Care, a prominent health plan with over 2.4 million members across New York, has recently announced a significant initiative aimed at combating food insecurity in the state. On January 15, 2025, the organization revealed its decision to distribute $122,000 in grants to 30 community-based organizations focused on supporting individuals and families struggling with food and nutritional challenges.

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue, particularly in a region as populated as New York. Recent statistics from Feeding America's study, Map the Meal Gap, underscore the severity of the situation, revealing that over 2.6 million New Yorkers—approximately 13.6% of the state's population—are affected by food insecurity. This statistic paints a sobering picture of the challenges faced by vulnerable households, especially among Black and Hispanic communities, who experience disproportionately higher rates of hunger.

Recognizing that access to nutritious food is a critical factor in maintaining good health, Fidelis Care aims to directly address this issue through its grant program. The organization understands that hunger does not merely entail a lack of food but is a fundamental barrier to health, potentially leading to chronic issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health concerns.

Among the recipients of these vital grants is St. John's Bread and Life, one of New York City's largest emergency food providers. This organization distributes more than 4.5 million meals annually through various programs tailored to meet the needs of the community. The Executive Director of St. John's Bread and Life, Sister Caroline Tweedy, RSM, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “We are grateful to Fidelis Care for its support of our emergency food programs and for joining with us as we empower the fragile among us. This grant enables Bread and Life to continue to provide balanced, nutritious meals and much-needed basic supplies to our neighbors in need.”

This collaboration highlights the integral role community-based organizations play in addressing food insecurity. By partnering with groups already operating at the grassroots level, Fidelis Care enhances the capacity to reach those most in need effectively. Each organization receiving funding has a unique approach to tackling food scarcity, allowing for a diverse range of strategies to support community health.

The impact of these grants is set to extend beyond just food provision. By ensuring that impoverished households have access to healthy meals, Fidelis Care also contributes to a broader public health agenda, aiming to reduce the incidence of diet-related chronic diseases. The initiative exemplifies a crucial intersection of healthcare and social services where organizations like Fidelis Care can make a transformative difference in people's lives.

Fidelis Care remains committed to its mission of providing quality, affordable healthcare for all New Yorkers. Through partnerships with community organizations, the health plan endeavors to improve overall community well-being and promote equitable access to healthcare resources.

In conclusion, the recent allocation of grants by Fidelis Care is a commendable step towards addressing food insecurity in New York State. As these organizations implement their funded programs, there is hope for measurable improvements in community health and resilience against the challenges of hunger. For a complete list of the grant recipients, you can visit Fidelis Care's official website.

About Fidelis Care

Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan that aims to provide high-quality, affordable insurance coverage for children and adults across New York State. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise, Fidelis Care is dedicated to improving the lives of its members and the communities it serves. With access to affordable, quality health insurance considered a right for every New Yorker, Fidelis Care continues to advocate for better health outcomes through initiatives like these community grants.