INDIANAPOLIS — Gleaners Food Bank and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have renewed their partnership with a three-year, $1.8 million gift to support hunger-relief efforts in Gleaners 21-county service area. The gift is in support of Gleaners’ $25 million comprehensive campaign announced last September.
“Anthem has been a critical mission partner for years. Through funding, our neighbors have benefitted from nutritious food and have been empowered with assistance in accessing benefits and services to elevate their overall health and well-being,” said Fred Glass, President/CEO of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.
Research has clearly shown a direct correlation between food insecurity and overall health. A Feeding America study found an additional $1 billion in healthcare costs directly related to food insecurity and its effect on health in Indiana alone.
The funding announcement and partnership were announced at a news conference Wednesday at Gleaners’ warehouse on the southwest side of Indianapolis. Anthem associates volunteered at the food distribution that morning where approximately 800 households were served. Gleaners’ $25 million campaign will fund strategic capital improvements, increased annual fund giving, and endowment growth. To date, over $20 million has been raised, including the Anthem gift.