Regence employees help raise more than $218K to address food insecurity
Funds raised through 100% company match benefit nonprofits across Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington
Since the beginning of March, food insecurity rates have risen dramatically across the U.S and the world. In fact, the United Nations recently projected that, due to COVID-19, the number of people facing food insecurity worldwide could soon double, affecting 265 million individuals.
Understanding the impact of this growing issue on our communities, Regence matched 100% of employee donations made to six organizations that are ensuring all Americans stay healthy and fed during this time. Culminating on #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of unity and giving, Regence and its employees collectively raised more than $218K.
Read on to learn more about the organizations and the important work they are doing to ensure food is available to all who need it.
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. For more than 40 years, Feeding America has responded to the needs of individuals struggling with food insecurity in this country. In times of uncertainty, like COVID-19, they have not wavered from their mission to end the fight against hunger. Find your local food bank and donate at feedingamerica.org.
Food Lifeline is committed to feeding people who are experiencing hunger today and, at the same time, solve the issue of hunger for tomorrow. The organization provides food to more than 300 food banks, shelters, and meal programs across Western Washington. Learn how you can get involved and support Food Lifeline, today at foodlifeline.org/covid19.
A long-time Regence BlueShield of Idaho community partner, the Idaho Foodbank is the largest distributor of free food assistance in Idaho. Through its warehouses in Boise, Lewiston and Pocatello, the Foodbank has distributed more than 135 million pounds of food to Idaho Families since 1984. Every $1 donated to the Foodbank provides 5 meals for families in need. Learn more at idahofoodbank.org.
The Oregon Food Bank works to eliminate hunger and its root causes through food distribution, nutrition and garden education, advocacy and community food systems work. A long-time Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon community partner, the Oregon Food Bank has taken a number of actions to ensure food is available to all Oregonians who need it, while adhering to social distancing and safety guidelines. Join the food bank’s #EmergeStronger community challenge at oregonfoodbank.org.
Second Harvest’s mission is to fight hunger and feed hope, by bringing community resources together to feed people in need through empowerment, education and partnerships. Second Harvest provides more than 2.5 million pounds of food each month throughout the Inland Northwest. Learn how you can help support this organization in light of COVID-19 at 2-harvest.org.
Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank is committed to fighting hunger statewide. In 2018, the Utah Food Bank distributed 45.7 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 38 million meals, to people facing hunger across the state. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah is proud to support the Utah Food Bank and employees regularly support the nonprofit’s Mobile Food Pantry program as well. Find out the latest on Utah Food Bank's efforts to help those impacted by COVID-19 at utahfoodbank.org/covidresponse.
Regence is committed to supporting our communities throughout the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about our philanthropic efforts to support our communities.