Anthem and the Anthem Foundation today announced the start of their largest annual volunteer initiative, Anthem Volunteer Days. This year’s campaign brings critical awareness to the ongoing issue of food insecurity facing the nation with projects that will bring together Anthem associates, their families and friends to help charitable organizations across the country.
This year the Anthem team will once again partner with Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world, to identify organizations in the community that need extra assistance with vital resources. From assembling backpacks with healthy food for children to helping prepare meals at community food banks, Anthem teams will be in the heart of communities where the needs are the greatest.
In addition, Anthem associates are actively involved in their local communities identifying specific needs to create dedicated project teams that will complement this year’s campaign and further expand efforts in communities across the country.
Today, one out of eight Americans faces food insecurity – an issue that can have lasting physical effects. Access to affordable, nutritious food plays a vital role in a person’s overall health and well-being. Research indicates that poor nutrition and an unhealthy diet are the leading risk factors for various chronic conditions including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and other diet-related diseases.
For Anthem and the Anthem Foundation, the commitment to improve and expand access to sufficient, affordable and healthy food options for the communities it serves plays a crucial role in improving the overall health of the nation. Both organizations have invested in supporting community based and nonprofit organizations that are focused on addressing issues related to access to healthy food through collaborations with leading organizations such as Feeding America, The Food Trust and Blessings in a Backpack, as well as more targeted populations such as the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education with whom the Foundation is helping address food insecurity among college students in rural parts of Virginia.
“At Anthem, we recognize that we play an important societal role in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing Americans today and helping to create better access to food and food distribution is one way we are working to improve the lives of our communities,” said Gail K. Boudreaux, President and CEO, Anthem, Inc. “Our efforts during this year’s Anthem Volunteer Days reaffirms our commitment to remove barriers and remain connected to organizations across the country that continue to help individuals and families obtain heart healthy foods and lead more active lives.”
“Lions Clubs International and its affiliate clubs in the United States are proud to once again join with Anthem and the Anthem Foundation for this annual community based project. Together we are making a difference in people’s lives,” said Lions executive director Frank Moore. “Our experience tells us that when volunteers join together to address urgent needs, communities thrive.”
Follow the Anthem Foundation on Twitter (@AnthemFDN), or the hashtag #AnthemCares, and #LionsAVD to see highlights from Anthem Volunteer Days across the country.