The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Second Harvest receives big donation
Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio accepted a $100,000 check from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in support of the agency’s efforts to get food and groceries to the people it serves.
On Sept. 16, Anthem leadership were in attendance at Black River Landing in downtown Lorain at the site of Second Harvest’s drive-thru food distributions to present the check in person.
“We have been connected to Ohio communities for more than 80 years, and are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of our neighbors by addressing the many factors that influence health, including access to healthy food,” said Neil Steffens, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicare Central Region.
“Working together with community partners, like Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, will have a greater impact on addressing food insecurity than individual efforts.”
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield said its support of Second Harvest expands on the company’s history of supporting Ohio’s residents and communities.
The company said making it easier for individuals to access everyday items, like healthy food, is one of the best ways to help people get healthier.
“Partners like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield enable us to continue the work we do to help stabilize the community,” said Julie Chase-Morefield, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank.
Members of the Anthem team have been at the drivethru distributions since spring 2021 distributing items including toilet paper, first aid kits, hand sanitizers and pill containers to families waiting in line to register, according to Anthem officials.
Michelle DeLozier, Ohio Medicare sales manager for Anthem, thanked Second Harvest for its partnership and also with Anthem’s commitment to tackling food insecurity.
DeLozier said Anthem looks forward to working together with Second Harvest for many years to come.