Fidelis Care ‘Veggies to Go’ Program Celebrates Impactful Second Season
In its second year, the Fidelis Care ‘Veggies to Go’ program distributed 1,770 bags of healthy food to individuals and families in need. That adds up to 35,400 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables given out in 2023, a 68 percent increase over the inaugural year of the program. Veggies to Go addresses nutrition and food insecurity in urban and rural communities across New York State.
“Hunger is everywhere. Many regions of New York have underserved communities struggling with food insecurity and food deserts,” said Fidelis Care Sales and Marketing Director Shannon Lombardo. “Veggies to Go is a wonderful way to start the conversation about food insecurity and share information about the agencies and programs available to help people.”
Fidelis Care sourced food from local farmers for the 11 Veggies to Go events statewide. The events also featured information on healthy eating including Fidelis Care’s ‘Lunchology’ recipe sheets.
“By providing fresh fruits and vegetables and some inspiration in the kitchen, Fidelis Care helps empower people to make fun, delicious, and healthy choices at every meal and snack time,” said Fidelis Care Sales and Marketing Director Jennifer Lyons. “Veggies to Go emphasizes the importance of preventive care through wholesome nutrition.”
Fidelis Care collaborated with several community partners to pack Veggies to Go bags and host the events, including 4-H and Cornell Cooperative Extension in Warrensburg, CINQCARE in Buffalo, Macdonald Health Center in Woodhull, and several grocery stores, recreation centers, and churches.
“Fidelis Care has been a wonderful partner for us,” said First Presbyterian Church of Binghamton Outreach Coordinator Amy Abbey. “When we work together, we get to address multiple needs. It fuels my passion to help my neighbors. I want to make a difference in my local community, and we’re excited to do that here with Fidelis Care.”
The Fidelis Care team is working on plans for 2024 Veggies to Go events. Check the Fidelis Care events calendar in the spring.